Source: www.ncea.org/csw
What students can do to block out distractions in the classroom METRO CREATIVE An ability to focus in the classroom can go a long way toward helping students achieve their academic goals. But distractions lurk in every corner, making it easier than ever to succumb to a lack of focus. Maintaining focus in the classroom can be difficult in the digital age, but students can try various strategies to block out distractions once class begins. • Disconnect your devices. A 2020 report from the nonprofit association Educause found that the majority of students report connecting two or more devices to campus Wi-Fi each day. Devices often serve as useful tools that augment classroom lessons, but they also can distract students.
Students can turn off notifications on their phones and tablets before class begins so that familiar ping does not sound during lectures and lessons. In addition, unless devices are necessary during a class, students can store them in places where they won’t be tempted to check for messages or other alerts when they should be learning. Storing devices in a separate pocket in a backpack or even in a locker outside the classroom can remove the temptation to log on during class. • Prepare for class in advance. Organizing before class can help students stay focused when a teacher is lecturing, explaining classroom material or engaging students in a discussion. Students who can’t readily access their notes, books or assignments may
be forced to spend valuable class time looking for such materials, thus distracting them from the lesson. • Bring questions to class. Students who jot down questions about a subject prior to class are more likely to be engaged once class begins. Students can ask their questions during the lesson and listen intently to hear if their teacher or professor is answering their questions during their lecture. Either way, bringing questions to class and going over them before class begins can help students narrow their focus to the subject at hand, reducing the likelihood that they’ll succumb to distractions. • Sit in the front of class. Students who are having trouble focusing can try sitting in the front of class. Sitting
in the front ensures students can hear their teachers or professors, and sitting so close might subconsciously compel students to perk up so they’re not caught wandering. Devices and other distractions can easily compromise students’ focus in the classroom. But various strategies can help students focus so they can perform better academically.
SS. Cyril & Methodius A 2019 National Blue Ribbon School SS. Cyril and Methodius School provides an excellent Catholic education from preschool through eighth grade in a compassionate environment that strives to develop each student spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. The BLUE RIBBON FLAG is recognized as a trademark of excellence with NATIONALLY normed TEST SCORES in the top 15%… only 50 private schools throughout the country are eligible for nominations to the U.S. Dept. of Education. Our school asserts on advanced academic curriculum enhanced by computer and science labs, one-to-one Chrome books from 5-8, Chrome carts available to grades K-4, along with new iPads, Smart boards in all classrooms and yearly upgrades to curriculum through new materials. Our teachers are State Certified and certified as Religious Educators; many have advanced degrees and keep up with professional development. Comprehensive after-school, extra-curricular activities are offered to increase positive student growth. On-site morning and after school care is available to help ease the worry of working parents. Financial Aid is also available. Please inquire at school.
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What is Catholic Schools Week? Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2024 is January 28 – February 3. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2024 is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.
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Unique academy and educational tracks in school
4832 Highland Ave Downers Grove, IL 630.969.4306
28 Open House January 10 am to 12 pm
METRO CREATIVE Schools continue to evolve and change their curriculum to meet the needs of modern students. Many schools now recognize the importance of helping students develop skills that will help them be competitive in the world and workforce. One way they are doing so is through the development of educational academies or specific academic tracks to give students an advantage later in their academic careers. Here’s a close look at such offerings, which tend to be primarily at the high school (secondary school) level. Early college academy Early college academy, also known as early college high school, is a program that enables high school students to earn two-year associates degrees at the same time as they earn high school diplomas, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Early College High School Initiative was established in part in 2002 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Early colleges have expanded over the last 20 years, and these programs may work in different ways. Some bring high schoolers to college campuses to take courses in-person, or there may be remote course offerings. Others provide college courses in a high school setting. High schools develop complementary relationships with accredited colleges in the area, typically community colleges. Upon completion of the programs, students in the early college courses will receive associates degrees. Advantages to an ECA is that students already have completed two years of college, which saves time and money. Dual enrollment/ Advanced placement High schools have been offering this option for some time now. Dual en-
rollment classes are essentially college courses that high schoolers take while in high school. Professors from nearby colleges may teach these courses right in a high school classroom. High school teachers also may be trained to instruct a college’s approved coursework. At the end of the course, the student will have received credits for that college course. Advanced placement (AP) classes are classes with college-level curricula created by the College Board. AP students must pass AP exams at the end of the classes. Certain colleges will accept AP classes as college credit depending on students’ scores on the tests. Both of these avenues may help students earn college credits, provided the school they attend will accept the credits. Career tracks/pathways Students may choose to follow particular tracks in high school if they pick a college major or choose a trade school. Sometimes these programs are called pathways. Nevertheless, they may be offered in Visual Arts, STEM, Business Management, Automotive Repair, Hospitality, or Mathematics. While students will still get an array of core classes, by enrolling in a track, their electives and certain other classes may be geared toward a particular pathway. For example, an eligible math course for a business student may be accounting as opposed to calculus for a general education student. These pathways help develop passions and interests and enable high schoolers to grow accustomed to the customization of a degree. High school has evolved to introduce students to higher education in novel ways.
Providing opportunities for spiritual and academic growth while forming disciples of Jesus Christ. Award Winning School Preschool through 8th Grade Full and Half Day Preschool All Day Academic Kindergarten Two Classes Per Grade Faith Formation and Rigorous Academics STEM, Spanish, Music, Art, Computer, and Physical Education Students and Graduates Consistently Perform in Top Percentiles Reading Specialist on Staff for Students in Grades 1-5 Extended Care Program Optional Hot Lunch Program Extracurricular Activities and All-Inclusive Athletic Program Strong School Community & Parent Involvement Tuition Assistance Available for Qualifying Students
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St. Mary of Gostyn School is a private, Catholic school located in the heart of Downers Grove offering 3 and 4-year old half-day Preschool, fullday 4-year old PreKindergarten and Kindergarten through 8th grade. St. Mary’s (SMG) will equip your child with the foundational tools they need to succeed in high school, postsecondary education, career and beyond. They are supported by a team of dedicated and motivating staff and teachers who nurture their curiosity and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. At St. Mary of Gostyn, teachers develop and utilize instructional methods that guarantee personal growth and individual success for each child. We offer a comprehensive curriculum and emphasize creativity, critical and analytical thinking, and real-world application. Children experience a Catholic culture that includes daily prayer, religion class and weekly Mass, as well as a challenging curriculum that gives them the opportunity to excel academically, develop confidence and a strong sense of self, build personal relation-
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ships, and serve others. We also know that learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. We offer a variety of optional enrichment programs, clubs and activities including band, theater, chess club, and more. Our no-cut athletics program includes football (in cooperation with St. Joe’s), cross country, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and track and field beginning in 5th grade. These programs instill life skills that students will carry with them throughout their lives. Come see all that St. Mary of Gostyn School has to offer. Attend our All School Open House event on Sunday, January 28th from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Tour our award winning preschool, prekindergarten and grade school. Meet our teachers and staff, explore student curriculum projects and visit our STEAM Lab. Learn why students learn, grow and thrive at St. Mary of Gostyn School. Visit stmarygostyn.org/ school to learn more and sign up today!
A quality education is available at St. Petronille Catholic School Families looking for a quality education that will incorporate their community and Catholic values will find what they need in St.Petronille Catholic School. Our commitment to spiritual growth, academic excellence, and service to others has contributed to our success as an area school and has contributed to student satisfaction. Our faculty with an average of 14 years teaching experience in our building work to prepare each student for excellence beyond elementary school “Seeing my daughter’s smooth transition to high school was amazing,” says current St.Petronille parent Myra Kayser of her recent graduates experience,”I attribute that to excellent instruction in English and Math and am so grateful to her junior high teachers and how well they prepared her.” Kayser goes on to say “I can’t wait to see how my youngest will use the same opportunities.” Being well prepared and well rounded is made a priority with an emphasis on a rigorous and accessible curriculum for each child in our core
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subjects of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion. We also offer additional quality instruction in Spanish, music, physical education, and art. With the addition of our STEM lab for the 202324 school year, students have had a greater opportunity to see their ideas and insight developed. “I can see how even from first and second grade that my girls were given the opportunities to present their ideas and instruction on how to do it well. From book reports to science projects, I know that in addition to getting academic skills, they have a greater social skill set that has been a confidence boost,” beams Kayser, “this will be invaluable as they seek success outside of school.” Prospective families looking for a positive educational and communal experience are invited to attend our open house at 425 Prospect Ave Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 on Sunday January 28th after the 11:30 a.m. mass
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How students can better manage their time METRO CREATIVE Many people have a lot of dema nds on their time. There are only so many hours in a day, which means that the sooner a person can develop strategies for managing his or her time efficiently and effectively, the more successful that person can be. It can be especially important for students to explore ways to improve their time management skills early in their academic careers. Time management involves planning, and that includes allotting time for specific tasks. The following strategies can be useful for anyone looking to manage their time more effectively.
er Nathaniel Kleitman, people’s minds naturally crave breaks after 90 minutes of intense work. You may need breaks at different intervals. Learn to read your body’s cues.
Establish a daily schedule Staying the course may require a guideline detailing how you will spend your time. A good part of the day may be taken up by classes and assignments, but focusing on the other parts of the day also is key. Set up a plan for how you will treat each day. Block off specific times for exercise, meals, school, study, and any other responsibilities you have. Time blocking is a format by which you go through the moments of the day. You can block out
Schedule classes wisely Some people are night owls while others thrive in the morning. Set up schedules so you’re in class when you are at your most productive; otherwise, you could lag and waste time. This may not be possible for high school students, but colleges allow for more flexibility in scheduling. Time management is an important skill for students to develop. It will help in the classroom and later on when entering the workforce.
Break projects down Many students avoid projects they feel are huge tasks. Breaking down the larger job into smaller ones can help students stay focused and reward progress. For example, if you need to write a 50-page research paper, make the first task finding source material, the next citing quotes and studies, and then resolve to write a set number of pages per day.
by the hour or any amount of time you need. Figure out where you’re losing time You need to know how you’re currently spending your time before you can improve on time management strategies. Spend a few days jotting down a time log. This will help you determine if you’re working efficiently or
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where you are losing time. Make time for breaks Burnout can occur when you work yourself too hard. That makes breaks an important part of time management. Breaks allow for time to call loved ones, text with friends, meditate, or engage in other activities unrelated to school. According to sleep research-