Blog
Finish Strong: Crush Your Finals with the Study Table Power Hour!
We’ve all been there: the "procrastination monster" starts whispering that you have plenty of time, but suddenly, finals are staring you down. As we head into the home stretch of the semester, now is the moment to shift gears. Whether you’re looking to turn a B into an A or simply want to walk into your exams feeling like a boss, your comeback starts now.
From March 31st to April 16th, we are launching the Study Table Power Hour at the O’Plaine Campus Library. This isn't just another study hall; it’s your ultimate toolkit for academic success.
Why Attend?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re studying alone in your room. Power Hour is designed to give you three major advantages:
· Expert Tutoring Support: Stuck on a math problem or a chemistry formula? Tutors will be on-site to help you bridge the gap between "I'm lost" and "I've got this."
· Built-in Accountability: When you show up, you’re making a commitment to your future self. Consistency is the secret sauce to boosting your grades.
· The Attendance Advantage: Showing up is half the battle. Research shows that students who maintain consistent attendance—both in class and at study sessions—perform significantly better on final assessments.
The Game Plan
Mark your calendars! We’ve carved out specific times to help you focus and execute.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beat the Procrastination Monster
The difference between a stressful finals week and a successful one is starting early. By joining us at the Study Table Power Hour, you aren't just finishing your homework; you're building the momentum needed to cross the finish line with confidence.
Don't wait until the night before the big test. Grab your books, bring your questions, and let’s get to work.
See you at the library!
Tips to Have a Healthy and Productive Spring Break:
Spring break is a great escape from the daily grind of school. A week off can be a valuable time to relax, recharge, and even get ahead in other areas of your life. For high schoolers, the pressure is on most of the school year, so a productive yet restful break can make all the difference.
Reset and Recharge: Give Your Mind a Break
- Limit the Screen: Take a tech-free day or even just a few hours. No phone, no social media, no emails. Use this time to read a book for pleasure, go for a walk, hang with some friends, or enjoy a hobby.
- Get More Sleep: The school year can lead to serious sleep deprivation. Use spring break to catch up on much-needed ZZZs. This doesn’t just mean sleeping in; it is also not staying up too late.
- Get Fresh Air and Exercise: The weather is not always ideal in the Midwest in March, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bundle up and get outside. Go for a hike, a bike ride, or even just a walk around the block. Physical activity is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
Declutter and Organize: Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind
- Clean Your Backpack: Let’s face it, backpacks become a graveyard for crumpled notes, old snacks, and forgotten assignments. Empty everything out and start fresh.
- Tackle Your Room: A messy room can lead to a messy mind. Take some time to tidy up, donate clothes you no longer wear, and reorganize your space.
- Wash Your Gear: This includes gym shirts, jerseys, athletic equipment, and anything else that might have seen better days. A fresh set of gear is a great motivator.
Get a Head Start on Academics: Your Future Self will Thank You
- Catch up on Outstanding Assignments: If you have any projects or assignments that are lingering, use the break to finish them up. You’ll feel a sense of relief when school starts again.
- Review Material: If you have an upcoming test or project, use some of your free time to review your notes. A little bit of studying each day can go a long way.
- Brainstorm for Upcoming Projects: If you have major projects coming up, use the break to brainstorm ideas, do some preliminary research, or outline your work. This will make the actual writing process much easier. Just because the assignment is not due yet, doesn’t mean you can’t get started.
Remember, the key to a great spring break is finding a balance. While it's great to be productive, it's also important to take time to relax and have fun. So, make a list of things you want to accomplish, but don't forget to schedule in some downtime!
One of the biggest changes when kids move from middle school to high school isn’t just harder classes or bigger buildings — it’s the way communication works. In middle school, parents are often the ones emailing teachers, reaching out to coaches, or keeping track of what’s going on. But in high school, that starts to shift. And honestly, that shift is a good thing.
What Makes High School Different?
High school is the time when students begin taking ownership of their own experiences. If there’s an issue with a teacher, question about an assignment, or conflict with a coach, it’s important for the student to be the one reaching out. That might look like sending an email, speaking up after class, or setting up a quick meeting. It can feel like a big change at first, but it’s also an important life skill — advocating for themselves.
The same goes for staying in the loop. Parents aren’t in the hallways or hearing the daily announcements, so it’s on students to pay attention to what’s being shared. Whether it’s a club meeting, scholarship opportunity, or an important deadline, keeping track of those details is part of preparing for what comes next after high school.
Why It Matters
As parents, it can be tempting to jump in and handle things — especially if our kids are nervous or unsure. But giving them the space to practice these skills now will set them up for success in college, the workplace, and beyond. They’ll learn confidence, responsibility, and how to navigate challenges on their own.
It’s not about stepping away as parents — it’s about stepping back just enough so our kids can step forward. And that’s exactly the kind of growth we want for them in these important years.
And remember, if you or your student ever wonder the best way to reach a teacher, coach, or staff member, we’ve put together some helpful tools on our Communications page. It’s a great place to start when figuring out how to connect.