2024-2025 Mariemont Junior High School Success Guide

101 JUNIOR HIGH

Be prepared for growth.

Plan ahead.

Get involved!

Be yourself and be an original.

Ask for help if you need it.

Stay positive.

Use Warrior Bell wisely!

Use your Schoology calendar to help with organization and time management.

PBIS

BUILDING A POSITIVE School Climate

Our goal is that every person that enters our junior high school feels welcome and safe.

At the Junior High, Climate Council focuses on making every student that enters our building feel welcome and safe. We build on the lessons and themes learned through the elementary OLWEUS program. Climate Council is open to all students and meets a few times each month. This club is responsible for decorating lockers, organizing food drives and fundraisers, and monitoring student shout-outs each month.

Each month, two seventh graders and two eighth graders are nominated for Student of the Month recognition. We celebrate positive character traits, including: empathy, courage, leadership, kindness, generosity, and respect. Students are recognized based upon their actions that positively impact our learning community.

Mariemont Junior High School, like all schools in the Mariemont City School District, utilizes the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system as a schoolwide approach aimed at establishing positive student culture.

At MJHS, our PBIS focuses are: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Your Environment!

We utilize a QR Code system to allow students to receive positive feedback and acknowledge respect they see in others. We celebrate our PBIS efforts at quarterly assemblies and encourage all students to participate in respect challenges. And our students of the month are selected based on monthly character themes.

Additionally, we often use our Warrior Bell time to discuss social skills through the 7 Mindsets and Second Step curriculum.

We are always working towards creating a safe and effective learning environment for all students at Mariemont Junior High School!

According to a study conducted by the National Association of School Psychologists, bullying is the most common form of violence in our society; between 15% and 30% of students are bullies or victims. This is unacceptable. If you need to report bullying or any other safety concerns, the district offers an anonymous, 24-hour safety reporting service through Public School Works. Everyone can access this service through the junior high school’s homepage on the district website or through My Mariemont Portal on the top of the district website.

Sources of Strength is a student and teacher led group that focuses on positive mental health, and highlights strengths in our lives that we can all rely on for help. They run positive, high-energy, schoolwide campaigns to bring students and teachers together and be connectors in our community.

What is your advice on homework?

Academics

Don’t procrastinate! Missing assignments can really affect your grades. This is a great way to put your learning into practice and help your teachers see how you’re learning. Be sure to do your homework and turn it in on time for full credit. Find an organization system that works for you! Color-coded planners, folders and notebooks for each class can really help, as can staying digitally organized on Schoology.

When can I get extra help with my schoolwork?

Everyone needs extra help from time to time. Your teachers are very open to working with you whenever they can. You can make an appointment to come and talk to some teachers before school from 7:30 – 7:55. Other teachers are available at lunch or after school. There is also after-school homework help from 3:00-4:00 every Tuesday and Thursday in the library, with a staff member present to help! Just remember-

your teachers want you to succeed. They will encourage and support your independence and self-advocacy, so don’t hesitate to ask!

What if I can’t get my homework turned in on time?

Homework is used purposefully in the classroom, so completion is crucial for participation. If you turn in homework late, your teacher may still accept it and you might not receive full or any credit but you will still receive feedback. To state it simply: Homework should be turned in the day it is due, so this is why staying organized and focused is really important!

How should I prepare for unit summative tests?

Great question. There are helpful steps to take to make sure you are as prepared as possible. First, review the learning targets to identify any areas of weakness. Second, use the resources provided by your teacher. Make sure to use Schoology as a resource guide to review and study. Most teachers will put a lot of extra study links up to help you. Be sure to use them! And most importantly, know your personal learning style and be sure to utilize strategies that will help you personally recall and retain information.

What languages can I take at the junior high?

As a student in the class of 2030, you will get to take Latin 1A or Spanish 1A for junior high credit. During your 8th grade year, you will get to take Latin 1B or Spanish 1B for high school credit. We ask for a two-year commitment when entering seventh grade.

Who decides which level of courses I’ll be taking?

Teachers will make recommendations for math and language arts placements before 7th and 8th grade. There are many opportunities throughout junior high and high school to switch paths between various leveled courses so if you are not comfortable in a particular course, don’t hesitate to speak up!

Tell me a little more about exams.

Semester exams are components of year-long courses. Elective courses will feature summative assessments or culminating learning opportunities. Exams and summative assessments focus on key concepts and significant learning objectives, and are a good way to prepare for high school..

What time does school start and how long are the classes?

The school day for students is from 8am - 3pm. The building opens at 7:30 for students. During the day, students attend seven classes that are approximately 50 minutes in length, with a 30-minute lunch. There are 4 minutes between bells.

Logistics

When is the first day of school?

For the 2024-25 school year, the first day of school is on Wednesday, August 21.

Do we have a homeroom?

Yes, we have a homeroom, which we call Warrior Bell.

Your assigned Warrior Bell class will serve as your familiar “home base.”

How will I find my classes on the first day?

Once you receive your schedule at orientation, you can walk around that day to get used to the building and become more familiar with your schedule. You will have a paper copy. There is time between orientation and the first day of school to come back and walk through your schedule. If you have a problem once school starts, teachers and staff are always helpful.

How do I get ready for the day?

Doors open at 7:30 am. Students can head to their lockers at 7:45 am to prepare for the day. At 7:55 am, we engage in school-wide Mindful Music to provide a calm, centered start to the school day. Classes begin at 8:00 am.

What do I need to know about my locker?

Lockers are assigned to you. You will get your locker assignment and combination at Student Orientation in August. Use your locker for storage. Lock up your jacket and lunch. Lockers are also where you store bookbags throughout the day. Take the books you need for the first half of the day and switch at lunchtime. You will not have time to go to your locker between every bell. If you forget your combination, go ask at the office. If you have a class near your locker, that might be a good time to switch out a few things that you need.

How do I find my bus route and schedule?

The district website is a great tool for this and for many other things. To find your bus schedule, check the district website under “Parents” or call transportation at 513-272-7510. The bus schedule is usually posted in early August each year. Bus passes will be issued at orientation. Remember, all school rules apply on the buses.

use of your device. Don’t allow your device to become a distraction by visiting unrelated sites.

What is the district’s technology policy?

At Mariemont Junior High School each student will be issued a common device at the beginning of the school year. Students will use this device all year and will be permitted to take it home with them on nights and weekends. But always remember to bring the (fully charged) device with you because all students are required to have their device with them throughout the school day. Remember - You are responsible for the appropriate

How do I find out about missed work?

Students are encouraged to become familiar with their teachers’ make-up work procedures. Students should check Schoology and are encouraged to contact teachers (most email their teachers!) about submitting make-up work.

What if I have to leave the classroom for any reason?

If you have to go, go! If you can, try to go to the bathroom between bells or ask your teacher for permission to go before the tardy bell rings. You will need to ask your teacher if you need to leave the classroom for any reason.

I’m having a rough time; is there someone I can talk to?

Tell me about how lunch works at the junior high.

Students eat lunch by grade (all 7th graders together, all 8th graders together) in the Commons. You can also eat outside when the weather permits. Lunch is 30 minutes long.

Does the district use social media?

Yes! The school district uses Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Following the district’s social media is a great way to follow what’s going on with the school and community.

Of course there is! Never, ever feel like you are alone. If you are having a difficult time with your class schedule or classes you can talk to your teacher, counselor or building principal any time. Don’t forget – everyone wants you to succeed! You can also talk to your counselor or school psychologist if you’re having a difficult time and feeling overwhelmed, depressed or upset. Added to that, the district has partnered with Child Focus, Inc. to offer additional mental health services for students. The junior high has licensed therapists, who offer a more intensive level of services for students and families, and can be accessed all year. We want every student to feel emotionally healthy and ready to learn. There is no shame in needing and asking for help.

What is the cell phone and device policy?

As we are one-to-one with a common device for all of our technology needs, cell phones are not needed during the school day. Phones should be turned off and in your locker at all times during the school day. Lunch is completely device-free, so we can interact with each other and build connections.

Can I drink, eat or chew gum in class?

When is orientation?

Orientation is on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Mariemont Junior High School. Please plan to meet in the Commons (lunchroom). 7th grade students and 8th grade students have orientation at different times on the same day. Bus transportation is provided. More information about orientation will be sent to you and your parents at the end of the 2023-2024 school year and over the summer. You will also get your picture taken at orientation, get your schedule and have time to explore the building. ?

Where is the lost and found?

In the Commons in a large bin by the lunch line. If you lost something, chances are it will turn up here.

Respect your peers, respect your space, respect your teachers. We understand you might get hungry or thirsty throughout the day. There is a set snack time at the junior high, but please note that all snacks from home must be peanut-free and cannot be shared with classmates. You can chew gum if you can be respectful with it. Students are actively encouraged to have water bottles with them in class and refill them throughout the day at one of our three water bottle refilling stations. We know that keeping growing bodies fed and hydrated helps them learn!

What do I do if I forget something at home, like my sports bag or my iPad?

We all forget things from time to time. In between classes you can go to the office to call home or pick up delivered items.

What if I need to take medication during the school day?

We would need a form signed by your doctor to keep on file in the office. Your parents can find this form on the district website clicking Parents > Student Health Services or ask for one in the office. All medication is kept in the office, unless you have permission to carry an inhaler or an epi-pen.

I’m sick and won’t be coming to school today. How do we let the school know?

Your parent or guardian should contact the school to report your absence. They can send an email to jh.attendance@ mariemontschools.org or call the 24-hour attendance line available at 513-272-7302.

is important to you. Winter and spring sport sign-ups are held right before the seasons begin and are managed online at school by the students.

What if I need to leave in the middle of the day for a doctor’s appointment or something?

Your parent or guardian needs to send a signed note to school with you that you will turn into the front office. Your parent can also send an email directly to the office staff. After a note or email has been received, you will get a pass to leave class and come to the office. If you do not bring a note/email, your parent will have to come into the office to sign you out. When it’s time for you to leave, go to the front office. Your parent does not need to come into the office to sign you out if a note was provided. That being said, you cannot leave until your parent or guardian arrives.

What are Athletics like at the junior high?

There are tons of opportunities to get involved in Athletics at the junior high! First of all, it’s worth knowing that every season there is at least one no-cut sport, so everyone has the opportunity to try something new.

Interested students sign up for fall sport tryouts at the end of 6th grade during the school day. MJHS football, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, cross country, boys soccer, girls soccer and tennis begin with tryouts/practices on Monday, August 5, 2024, and practices are held every school day after team rosters are announced. Tell your parents to consider tryouts when making vacation plans if being part of a particular team

All student athletes are required to have a current physical on file at the MJHS office before August 2. Your doctor can complete the forms, which are available on our website under Athletics. Athletes must be registered in Final Forms to receive all communication from the coaching staff regarding the first day of the season.

If you’re participating in a sport that practices at the high school, an activity bus runs from the junior high to the high school each afternoon. Sports awards nights are held at the junior high at the conclusion of each season.

Tell me a little bit more about community service at

the junior high.

Community service is encouraged and promoted at the junior high! There are so many students who take it upon themselves to make our world a better place. We promote our students making a positive impact through a school-wide Day of Service in the fall. The Day of Service includes all MJHS students and staff being placed with non-profit and service organizations around the Greater Cincinnati Area to perform community service.

Expeditions experiential learning, as part of our Warriors BEyond program, also provides opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership and service to the local community.

Builder’s Club, which is supported by the Mariemont Kiwanis Club, is open to all MJHS students and emphasizes the mission of developing competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

Finally, students also can participate in our Warriors Give Back elective class to delve more into the importance of philanthropy and explore various causes. Students even have the chance to win a grant for a local non-profit organization at the end of the course.

Immunization Requirements for Junior High

All students entering 7th grade during the 2023-2024 school year are required by the State of Ohio to have a second booster of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) and first dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Mariemont Junior High School will need to receive written evidence that this immunization was received with the date of dose and a signature from the physician/nurse.

If you have questions concerning this immunization, please email:

Holly McCormack, RN, MSN, District Health Aide

hmccormack@mariemontschools.org or Sue Fahey, RN

sfahey@mariemontschools.org

STAYING Informed

We are always excited to share your successes and news from the junior high!

Schoology is an online resource containing helpful information for parents and students. It is updated by teachers and contains course-specific materials, including upcoming due dates and assignments. You may access Schoology on the district website (www.mariemontschools.org) and can find your Schoology access code through the data dashboard.

Report cards will be available for parents on the Student Achievement Dashboard each quarter. You can access the Student Achievement Dashboard through the district website by clicking the My Mariemont Portal link.

Standardized assessment information will be housed in your password-protected site on the Student Achievement Dashboard. We will notify parents via email when new assessment data is posted.

Parent/teacher conferences are held during the first half of the school year. Additional conferences are scheduled as needed by the teacher or at a parent’s request.

Daily announcements are posted to the district website on the junior high page. You can subscribe to receive them in your email inbox daily.

At Open House you will have the opportunity to walk through your schedule.

The district and school events can be found on the calendars on the district website. Remember - dates, locations and details can change so check the calendar regularly.

Expeditions

At Mariemont Junior High School, students will participate in numerous experiential education opportunities from the five Warriors BEyond pillars to build upon their elementary Explorations. Expeditions provide students with exciting, innovative, hands-on and un-graded learning opportunities throughout the school year. Expeditions are run by a combination of junior high staff and community partners to give students a broad array of opportunities. Students may leave the school campus to gain real-world experience throughout the district and surrounding areas.

Day of Service

The entire junior high participates in a Day of Service, volunteering at places like Stepping Stones, Bethany House, Our Daily Bread, Crayons to Computers, Mercy St. Theresa and Gorman Farms. The belief is that days like this can foster a sense of community as well as civic responsibility. Students read through a menu of options (similar to Expeditions) and chose an opportunity that matches their interests – from serving food, to working in a garden, to preparing a summer camp, to organizing donated school supplies, to visiting with residents of a nursing home.

8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

Mariemont City School District

8th grade students have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to experience what they learned in 8th grade U.S. History first hand. The 8th grade class, along with staff chaperones, leaves in late May to travel to the Capital. Students will visit many monuments and historical landmarks during the 3-day trip.

School SUPPLY LIST

Language Arts

Social Studies

Science

World Language

Modern

ALL STUDENTS

Summer Reading Book

(2) boxes of #2 pencils

(2) boxes of black/blue pens

(2) yellow or pink highlighters

(2) boxes of tissues

(1) packet of 3x5 inch index cards

headphones/ear buds

hand sanitizer

pencil pouch lined filler paper

Yellow Red Green

Purple

(1) 1-inch or 1.5-inch binder

(1) Package of dividers

(1) Pack of college-ruled loose leaf paper

(1) 2-pocket folder

(1) 1-subject spiral notebook

(2) 2-pocket folders with prongs

(2) Composition notebooks

(1) Pack of colored pencils

Latin 1A

(2) 2-pocket folders

Spanish 1A

(1) 1.5-inch or 2-inch binder

(1) package of tabbed dividers

(1) pack of loose leaf paper

(1) 2-pocket folder

Any

(2) 2-pocket folders with prongs Communications/ (any color)

Cultural Intelligence

GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Language Arts

Social Studies

Science

World Language

Yellow Red Green

Purple

(2) 2-pocket folders

(1) Pack of college-ruled loose leaf paper

(1) 2-pocket folder

(2) 2-Pocket folders with prongs

(2) Composition notebooks

(1) Pack of colored pencils

Latin 1B

(2) 2-pocket folders

Spanish 1B

(1) 1.5-inch or 2-inch binder

(1) package of tabbed dividers

MATH COURSES

Grade 7 Math

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Notebook or Composition notebook

(1) Scientific calculator

Grade 8 Math / CP Algebra I

(1) Blue Pocket folder

(1) Scientific calculator

Honors Algebra 1

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Scientific calculator

Honors Algebra II

(1) 1” Binder

graph paper

(1) TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator

Geometry

(1) 1” Binder

(1) Scientific calculator

*All Math courses (except for Honors Algebra II) will utilize TI-30X IIS or TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculators

ADDITIONAL COURSES

Orchestra

(1) 1” Binder

Chorus

(1) 1” Binder, any color

7th GRADE

2024 Summer Reading

INCOMING 7th GRADE

Incoming seventh graders at Mariemont Junior High School will be required to complete the following summer reading. Each student will be assessed on this reading when school begins in August.

All 7th graders will read I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The points of focus include:

• Understanding other perspectives and cultures.

• Valuing relationships and understanding the importance of communication and collaboration.

• Demonstrating learning in authentic ways.

8th GRADE

2024 Summer Reading

CP ELA

All incoming 8th grade CP ELA students will read Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include:

• What makes a ‘great’ story?

• Is it true that everyone has a story to tell?

• How can we learn life lessons through stories?

• Does a story have the power to change someone?

• How does the author effectively use literary elements to engage the reader?

ACP ELA

Incoming eighth graders at Mariemont Junior High School will be required to complete the following summer reading. Each student will be assessed on this reading when school begins in August.

All incoming 8th grade ACP ELA students will read The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include:

• What makes a ‘great’ story?

• Is it true that everyone has a story to tell?

• How can we learn life lessons through stories?

• Does a story have the power to change someone?

• How does the author effectively use literary elements to engage the reader?

• What themes are evident in this story?

89%

There are many clubs offered at Mariemont Junior High, ranging from Environmental Club, Stock Market Game, Model U.N., Power of the Pen, World Language Clubs, Science Club, and Art Club. of junior high students participate in extracurricular activities so now is the time to get involved!

GETTING INVOLVED

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT JUNIOR HIGH?

Already busy after school? Some clubs meet during lunch.

Science Club

Students who participate in this club have the opportunity to design a project for the regional science fair, will have hands-on science activities and will sometimes collaborate with the art club to do STEAM activities. This club meets two Wednesdays each month.

Student Voices

Members have a desire to build leadership skills using their voices to educate themselves and the broader school community about equity and inclusion within our schools and communities.

Builders Club

Buidlers Club is a service organization empowering youth through developing their passion to lead, engage, and collaborate with others. Students participate in different community service events.

Model United Nations

Model UN is an extra-curricular activity in which students typically role play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN Committees. Students collaborate, often rewriting historical events, problem solving, and using critical thinkings skills.

Power of the Pen

Power of the Pen is a competitive writing program sponsored by the Ohio Interscholastic Wiring League. The participants come from all of Ohio’s 88 counties. This season, Power of the Pen expects at least 500 schools from over 80 counties to participate in one or more of the state wide tournaments. MJHS is proud to sponsor both a 7th and 8th grade writing team.

Project Lit

A national, grassroots literacy movement that consists of teachers and students who are committed to culturally relevant books and promoting a love of reading.

Climate Council

Climate Council is open to all seventh and eighth grade students. In this club, we work to create a positive environment in which all students and staff members feel welcomed and valued. Among other activities, students will organize positive recognition, sponsor Pennies for Patients, and send positive messages to their peers and teachers. We meet during lunch several times each month.

Spanish Club

In Spanish Club we learn more about culture in Spanish speaking countries through celebrations, music, and dance. We also participate in the Pulsera Project every year, have fun making and decorating sugar skulls, salsa dancing, and learning more about Latin American cuisine.

Latin Club

In Latin Club we learn more about the culture and mythology of the ancient Romans through various projects and games. We also participate in the Pulsera Project with our Spanish Club and join with the MHS Latin Club for various activities and certamen contests during the year.

Art Club

Meets after school and does a variety of projects (many of which are displayed around the school

Stock Club

Run by the members of Kiwanis, this club meets at lunch beginning in January/ February. The students form teams and will learn about the stock market and compete in a national championship. This program will start in February.

Math Club

The MJHS Math Club is focused on giving our students experiences with math in a variety of ways. Annual activities include, pumpkin time bomb, octagon stars, the Continental Math League, and Marble slide design. The club also participates in various activities provided by the national MATHCOUNTS program. Activities culminate in March with participation in the UC Math Bowl, which is one of the oldest math contests in the country.

Sources of Strength

Sources of Strength is a peer-led program that promotes mental health for our students. Along with the teacher leaders, Sources of Strength plans activities and campaigns to help students realize the sources in their lives which they can lean on in a time of need.

Programs

Language Arts

The junior high language arts program offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills in writing, mechanics, reading and vocabulary. While we reinforce the fundamentals, we also move on to a more independent style of critical reading and more formal types of writing, such as informative and argumentative. Vocabulary skills are strengthened through the use of our individualized, online vocabulary site, Membean. Students are challenged through a deeper analysis of the text, and they provide textual evidence for their ideas. They continue to collaborate with their peers in large and small group settings. We will also continue and expand on elements of the Reading Workshop model.

Math

As you move from elementary math to junior high math, your teachers will ask you to think on a more abstract level. At the junior high level, students learn to master skills such as solving problems involving ratios, percents and proportions. They learn how to solve problems involving the four operations with rational numbers. They also learn how to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations. Algebra focuses on three types of functions: linear, exponential and quadratic. Students enrolled in CP and Honors Algebra 1 or beyond earn high school math credit.

Science

At the junior high, students explore three areas of science including Life Science, Physical Science and Earth Science. These courses focus on using engaging, interactive and collaborative laboratory activities to reinforce concepts taught in 7th and 8th grade. We find that junior high students learn best when they are actively learning with both their minds and hands to connect the content learned in class with real-world experiences. When our students make these connections between the classroom and their lives, they deepen their understanding of the world around them. Both grades are lab based, and 8th grade students move into a student-led learning model.

Social Studies

In junior high social studies, students explore world history as a 7th grade student. Content covers ancient civilizations and their contribution to the world as a whole as well as to our society. In 8th grade, students study American history –culminating with a class trip to Washington, D.C. during the 8th grade year.

World Language

Within their world language experience at Mariemont Junior High, students are challenged to become more globally competent. Using meaningful communication and critical thinking skills, students cultivate their understanding of other languages, cultures and perspectives. Seventh grade students will select either Latin 1A or Spanish 1A to take as a year-long required junior high credit course. Students will complete their first world language high school credit course in eighth grade with Latin 1B or Spanish 1B and can continue on to Latin 2 or Spanish 2 in ninth grade.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Highly Engaged Students

The ENGAGED student... is CURIOUS, CREATIVE, and demonstrates PASSION through his/her learning and experiences. demonstrates SELF-AWARENESS, INDEPENDENCE and OWNERSHIP of his/her learning.

values RELATIONSHIPS and understands the importance of meaningful COMMUNICATION and COLLABORATION. takes responsible academic RISKS and possesses RESILIENCE. is GLOBALLY COMPETENT and understands other perspectives and cultures. is a CRITICAL THINKER who EXPERIMENTS, QUESTIONS and SOLVES problems. builds strong content KNOWLEDGE, effectively FILTERS information, and demonstrates learning in AUTHENTIC ways.

Important Dates

MJHS Tailgate (September)

Homecoming Weekend (October)

Day of Service (October)

Winter Holiday Concert (December)

Spring Fling (Spring)

Night of the Arts (May)

Kings Island (May)

8th Grade

Washington, D.C. Trip (May)

Your teacher is the best person to give you specific study tips for his/her class. The teacher knows your progress in that class and can be the most effective person in advising you how to improve a grade or be a more effective learner.

Students can go to the library for extra help with assignments. Go to the library with specific questions or a draft to revise after school Monday through Thursday from 3-4 p.m.

Learn to love formative assessments! We use them a lot here. These are like miniassessments during a unit that help you (and your teacher!) take a “temperature check” of your learning and understanding so far. These are a great way to see if you’ve already mastered the learning or need some extra help.

Be aware of your best time of day. Many people learn best in daylight hours. Think about if this is true for you. If it is, schedule time to study during the day. If not, find out what is best.

Use your waiting time effectively. Ten minutes waiting on a bus or 15 minutes waiting for practice can add up. Also, in between school and extracurricular activities, use this time to your advantage.

Use a regular study area. When you use the same place to study, day after day, your mind and body become trained. It should help you focus and concentrate quickly.

When studying, figure out what method works best for you, whether this means listening to classical music or taking effective study breaks. Also avoid other distractions such as the TV or phone.

Don’t get too comfortable. Easy chairs, the bed or a sofa can be dangerous places to study. If too comfortable, your body may be getting the message “time to sleep” rather than “time to study.”

Study difficult subjects first! If a particular subject is hard or puts you to sleep, tackle it first while you are fresh.

Get plenty of rest! According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need about 8-10 hours of sleep each night to function best. Most teens do not get enough sleep — one study found that only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on school nights.

Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes! Challenge yourself to give yourself a break and disconnect from technology every once in a while.