2017-2018
JUNIOR HIGH 101 / BUILDING A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE
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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 school level, we maintain the lessons and themes from the OLWEUS program and the program you focused on at the elementary level and have a school climate initiative, led by the School Climate Council. The School Climate Council is open to all students, meets weekly during Warrior Bell and they do cool, fun things like decorate lockers, organize Valentine’s Day activities, pennies for patients, nominate students for the Unsung Hero award and just generally make the junior high a more fun and comfortable place for everyone. We love to recognize our students at MJHS! We have academic awards like merit roll and honor roll, subject-specific awards like Student of the Month, and character awards like Unsung Hero and the Warrior Ribbon Award. These are celebrated weekly, monthly, and quarterly. 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. As a 7th grade student, you will participate in Youth Frontiers’ Courage Retreat. The goal of the retreat is to bring your class even closer together and to respect and celebrate your differences from one another. The district also participates in the Kindness Retreat in 5th grade and the Respect Retreat during sophomore year of high school. Our goal is to create a safe emotional environment, which is necessary for student success.
JUNIOR HIGH 101 / BUILDING A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ACADEMICS
What is your advice on homework?
Don’t procrastinate! Missing assignments can really affect your grades. 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 Blackboard.
When can I get extra help with my schoolwork?
Everyone needs extra help from time to time. You can see your teacher before school (7:30-7:55am) or you can ask your teacher for a Warrior Bell pass. You can also ask your teacher if he or she is available to help you after school. There is also after-school study hall in the library every day from 3pm-4pm. There is a teacher in there to help! And remember - your teachers want you to succeed! They also know you’re getting older and more independent and can ask for help when you need it, so don’t hesitate!
Speaking of the library, is the library only for books?
No way. The Mariemont Junior High School library is more of a collaborative workspace. Occasionally, Language Arts teachers will take their classes to the library for book checkout. The “fishbowl” is a great space for class as well as group or individual work, too. Plus, this is the place to get after-school homework help.
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, complete the study guide provided to you by your teacher. Make sure to use Blackboard 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 is Warrior Bell?
All junior high students have a 20-minute period Monday through Thursday for Warrior Bell. It is held after your academic classes and before your elective classes. Warrior Bell is a time for students to meet with individual teachers for help. A student may request a pass to see any teacher and will then report to that teacher’s room during Warrior Bell. In addition, a teacher may request to see a particular student. Students can use this time to get extra help, work on a group project, finish an assessment, work on homework, or ask additional questions to the teacher. Students who are not meeting with a teacher during Warrior Bell on a particular day will report to Big Group, which is run as a silent study hall.
What languages can I take at the junior high?
As a 7th grade student, you will get to take a quarter each of the following: Spanish, Latin and Mandarin Chinese. You will also take a quarter of Modern Communications. In 8th grade you’ll get to choose one language to study for a year.
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 given in all academic classes for 8th grade students and all academic classes with the exception of the language survey for 7th grade students. The exam experience is meant to prepare you for what to expect at high school. There are exams the week before winter break and the last week of school in the spring.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LOGISTICS
What time does school start and how long are the classes?
The school day for students is 8am-3pm. The building will open at 7:30am for students. During the day on Monday through Thursday, students will attend seven 49-minute classes, a 30-minute lunch and a 20-minute Warrior Bell. There are 3 minutes between classes. Monday through Thursday, you will take elective classes in the afternoon. On Fridays, students attend five academic classes in the morning and a 30-minute lunch, and in the afternoons, you will participate in seven, four-week sessions for Expeditions.
When is the first day of school?
For the 2017-18 school year, the first day of school is Tuesday, August 22.
Who is in the office to help?
Molly Connaughton is the principal of Mariemont Junior High School. Amy Skinner is the school counselor and Patty Murray and Nancy Lonnemann are the administrative assistants.
Do we have a homeroom?
Yes, we have a homeroom but don’t go there daily. You’ll be assigned a homeroom that you’ll meet in a few times a year - mostly for special events. In the morning when you get to school, before the bell rings, you should go to the Commons until 7:45am when you will be dismissed to go to your locker. P.S. “The Commons” is the lunchroom.
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.
The hallways are crowded in between bells so what is the best way to get somewhere quickly? Walk on the right side of the hallway and go with the flow!
How do I get ready for the day?
Students can head to their lockers and classes starting at 7:45am. At 7:55am, we do school-wide Mindfulness Music to help us get focused and ready to learn. Classes start at 8am.
How do I print my schoolwork and assignments?
Although we encourage digital organization and being mindful of unnecessarily printing documents, we understand that sometimes there is a need to print so printing is available to you in the junior high library using Citrix during Warrior Bell or before or after school. Printed assignments should be printed before you come to class. Check with your teacher about other printing options.
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. 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, 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 busses.
What is the district’s technology policy?
There is a district-wide one-to-one technology plan across all curriculum and grade levels with the option of “bring your own” technology or “rent” district-owned devices. Students at the junior high are required to have a device with them throughout the school day. If you would like to rent a device, come to the main office. Remember – Don’t get distracted by your laptop during class by visiting unrelated sites!
What is the dress code?
No short shorts, no spaghetti straps, no hats, no holes in jeans.
How do I find out how I make up any missed work?
Students are encouraged to become familiar with their teachers’ make-up work procedures. Students should check Blackboard and are encouraged to contact teachers (most email their teachers!) about submitting make-up work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What if I have to go to the bathroom or 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.
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 and Twitter (@MariemontSchool). Molly Connaughton, the principal here at the junior high, uses Twitter (@MJHSConnaughton). Mr. Estepp, the district superintendent, uses Twitter (@Estepp) as does Tom Nerl, the district athletic director (@mmontad). Following the district’s social media is a great way to follow what’s going on with the school and the community. The district also has an app, which is available for free to all Android and Apple users – Mariemont CSD.
I’m having a rough time; is there someone I can talk to?
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 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?
You can have your cell phone or personal device with you as long as you keep it silenced and use it at the teacher’s discretion. There are times when we may even use them in class! Also, there are times when we go device free. We will let you know which is when!
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.
What do I do if I forget something at home, like my sports bag or my computer?
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.
Can I drink, eat or chew gum in class?
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 that occurs during announcements (beginning of 4th bell each day). 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. Also we have time built into our day (during announcements at 10:30am), where you are welcome to enjoy a snack from home. We know that keeping growing bodies fed and hydrated helps them learn!
When is orientation?
Orientation is on Wednesday, August 16 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 2016-2017 school year and over the summer. You will also get your picture taken at orientation, meet the school staff, get your schedule and have time to explore the building.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 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.
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.
I’m sick and won’t be coming to school today. How do we let the school know?
Your parent or guardian should email or call the school to report your absence. There is also a 24-hour attendance line available (513) 272-7302.
What is 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. Tryouts and practices will start no earlier than August 7, 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 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. All student athletes are required to have a current physical on file. As a convenience, physicals are offered at MHS on July 25 at 6:45pm for $20. Your parents will receive an email with more information about this. Your doctor can also complete the forms, which are available on the school district website under Athletics. 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 day after school. There is a snack bar at the junior high after school every day, in case you need some extra energy before practice. Sports awards nights are held at the junior high at the end of each season.
Tell me a little bit more about community service at the junior high.
Community service is definitely encouraged and promoted at the junior high! There are so many students who take it upon themselves to make our world a better place. Students are encouraged to submit community service hours; this isn’t a requirement, but we like to recognize students who complete five (5) or more hours of service. There is a link on the junior high homepage on the district website to submit hours. Added to that, on the last day before spring break the entire junior high participates in a Day of Service.
OK. What is FinalForms?
Last school year, our school district transitioned to an online registration system called “FinalForms.” FinalForms turns school, state and athletic forms into a customized, streamlined data collection process for all involved. FinalForms provides us a single location to house and access the information we need for medical records, athletics, field trips, IMMUNIZATION parent authorizations and every day life at school. All sports sign up (fall, winter, spring) is through REQUIREMENTS FinalForms and you can do it all at once, FOR JUNIOR HIGH if you’d like! This is mostly information your parents or guardians will fill out, All students entering 7th grade during the but we want to keep you looped in too. 2017-2018 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 .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COMMUNICATIONS / WARRIORS BEYOND Blackboard is an online resource that contains information that is helpful to parents and students You may access Blackboard through the district website at www.mariemontschools.org Blackboard is updated by teachers and contain course-specific information. 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. 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 on Academics or My Mariemont Portal.
Staying Informed! We are always excited to share your successes and news from the junior high!
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. Principal Molly Connaughton does a lot to keep students and parents involved too! You can follow her on Twitter (@MJHSConnaughton). She also emails Junior High-lights. This weekly newsletter is a glimpse into goings-on at the junior high. And the School Scoop is a sneak peek of what’s to come in the following week. She emails this out once a week, too! (Monday - JHL / Friday - School Scoop) Open House is August 16. Parents will have an opportunity to walk through your schedule and meet your teachers. Daily announcements are posted to the district website on the junior high page. You can subscribe to receive them in your email inbox daily.
Download the district app on your cell phone! It’s called Mariemont and it’s free. 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.
warriors Expeditions
Expeditions provide students with exciting, innovative learning opportunities each Friday during the school year. Students choose from seven expeditions, each meeting once a week for two hours and lasting four weeks. All expeditions are hands on, ungraded and focused on lighting a spark of student interest. Students have the opportunity to select the expeditions they are most interested in during Orientation. Families will receive a menu of all expeditions in advance.
yond 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
Through a partnership with EF Tours, Mariemont City School District 8th grade students have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to see all that they have learned in 8th grade U.S. History firsthand. The class leaves on the last day of school on busses, along with staff chaperones. In 2016, 109 students from the 8th grade MJHS class visited 22 monuments and museums during their 3-day trip.
Each year, all students will participate in: • Two Wellness expeditions • Two Arts expeditions • Two Learning Beyond expeditions • One additional expedition of their choice in any category
Day of Service
On the last day before spring break the entire junior high participates in a Day of Service, volunteering at places like Stepping Stones, Master Provision, The Giving Fields of Freestore Foodbank, Bethany House, Our Daily Bread, Crayons to Computers, Mercy St. Theresa, MEAC, Matthew 25 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 matched 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.
EXPLORE • LEAD • REACH COMMUNICATIONS / WARRIORS BEYOND
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST / SUMMER READING GUIDE
School Supply List GRADE 7 Language Arts (yellow) (1) One and a half – two inch binder (1) Package of dividers Math (blue)
(1) One inch binder (1) Scientific calculator TI-30xa (1) Ruler with inches and centimeters
Social Studies
(2) Pocket folders
(red)
Science (green)
(2) 2-Pocket folders with prongs (1) Composition notebook
ALL STUDENTS Summer Reading Book #2 pencils; black/blue pens (2) packs of loose-leaf paper (college rule) (2) boxes of tissues colored pencils highlighter headphones/ear buds hand sanitizer
Additional Courses Read 180 (1) 2-pocket folder
(yellow) notebook
GRADE 8
Algebra (1) Binder or folder TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator Geometry (1) Compass (1) Protractor (1) Two-inch binder (1) Scientific or (1) Dry erase marker TI-83 or TI-84 (1) Graph paper graphing calculator
Language Arts (yellow) (2) Pocket folders
Spanish 1 (purple) (1) 1-inch binder and dividers
Math (blue)
(1) One inch binder (1) Scientific calculator TI-30xa (1) 5-tab divider
Mandarin 1 (1) Pocket folder
Social Studies
(1) Pocket folders
Latin 1 (purple) (2) 2-pocket folders
(1) Pocket folders with prongs (2) Spiral notebooks
Orchestra Chromatic tuner
World Language (purple) (4) 2-pocket folders & Modern (1) Spiral notebook Communications
(red)
Science (green)
(purple)
MJHS 7th Grade 2017 Summer Reading 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.
Incoming 7th Grade: 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.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST / SUMMER READING GUIDE
SUMMER READING GUIDE
MJHS 8th Grade 2017 Summer Reading 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 and CP) All 8th graders will read Flying Lessons and Other Stories by Ellen Oh. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include: • • • • •
What makes a story a “great” story? Is it true that everyone has a story to share? How can we learn life lessons through stories? Does a story have the power to change someone? How do authors effectively use literary elements to engage the reader?
ACP 8th Grade In addition to reading Flying Lessons and Other Stories, 8th grade ACP students will read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Be prepared to discuss and write about concepts based on your reading. The essential questions include: • • • • • •
Does a story have the power to change someone? How do authors effectively use literary elements to engage the reader? What impact does the point of view have on this story? What themes are evident in this story? What themes are evident in both The Book Thief and the stories in Flying Lessons? What struggles are evident in both The Book Thief and the stories in Flying Lessons?
◦Already busy after school? Some clubs meet during lunch or Warrior Bell!
The Most Important Thing About Junior High?
Athletics
GETTING INVOLVED! ◦ here are 21 T clubs offered at Mariemont Junior High, ranging from Tinkerspace to Power of the Pen to Art Club!
89% of junior high students participate in extracurricular activities so now is the time to get involved!
Service
Clubs
Every season there is one team sport that everyone is welcome to join so everyone has the opportunity to try something new!
Expeditions Electives
GETTING INVOLVED
PROGRAMS / CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHLY ENGAGED STUDENTS
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. Math 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 the class trip to Washington, D.C. at the end of 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 rotate through quarter-long introductory classes of Spanish, Mandarin and Latin. And 8th grade students select one language – Spanish, Mandarin or Latin – for a year-long class that counts as a high school level I world language class.
PROGRAMS / CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHLY ENGAGED STUDENTS
PROGRAMS / CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHLY ENGAGED STUDENTS
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.
www.mariemontschools.org
Pow Wow
Back to School Dance
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
Homecoming Weekend OCTOBER
Fall Dance
Winter Holiday Concert
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
Junior High Night Out
Courage Retreat
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
Night of the Arts MAY
Kings Island
8 th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
MAY
JUNE
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 into the library with specific questions or a draft to revise after school from 3-4 p.m.
Learn to love formative assessments! We use them a lot here. These are like mini-assessments 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.
EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS
EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS
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.
Mariemont Junior High School 3 8 47 Sou t h ern Av en u e C i n c i n n at i , Oh i o 45 227 5 13 -272-73 00
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