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Strategies for Success

Strategies For Success

I. ORGANIZING YOUR BINDER AND MATERIALS

The purpose of the binder is to keep YOU, the student, organized and prepared for each school day. Take it with you to each class and home at the end of the day.

  1. Use a three-ring binder; avoid use of any spiral or tear-out notebooks. Open the rings of the binder to get papers so holes are not broken.
  2. Label your binder with your name.
  3. Use dividers for each subject; you may need more than one divider for some subjects.
  4. Bring all required materials (pens, pencils, three-ring binder, paper, etc.) to class. Refill supplies as needed so you are prepared for class each day.
  5. Use a plastic pocket or a container to hold your pens, pencils and other supplies.
  6. After you complete each assignment, and when papers are returned in class, take the time to put your papers back in the section so you can STAY ORGANIZED!!
  7. Individual teachers may request additional materials such as spiral notebooks, red pens, etc.

II. IN CLASS

Here are ideas that successful students use when they go to class:

  1. Enter class and take your seat promptly. Get out class materials and fill in your planner right away.
  2. Pay attention and take notes in class.
  3. Use extra class time to stay organized: begin homework, review notes, put away papers, etc.
  4. Ask questions; ask for help when needed (see Section IV. “Teachers Want to Help”).

III. ABOUT ABSENCES

When you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your assignments from the teacher. Here are a few suggestions to help you:

  1. On your first day back to school, go to the front office to get an admit slip before Homeroom.
  2. Upon arrival to class, ask the teacher for the assignment or ask the teacher to set an appointment when he/she can meet with you.
  3. If you cannot make it to class early, check with the teacher after class, after school, or when it is convenient for the teacher.
  4. If you know you are going to be absent, ask for the assignments before you go.
  5. Call a friend for the assignments and an explanation. Have them bring your assignments home for you.
  6. Have your parents call the school before 9:00 am to request homework.

IV. TEACHERS WANT TO HELP

There are many times when you will find that you need a teacher’s help. Here are a few hints:

  1. DO:
    1. Do ask the teacher before or immediately after class to discuss the problem with you. Ask for an appointment if needed
    2. Do ask questions when the teacher asks, “Are there any questions
    3. Do attend Study Tables. Study Tables are available to all students every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This is a fantastic time to work on assignments and receive one-on-one help from your teacher.
  2. DON’T:
    1. Don’t think that you will not get help
    2. Don’t make excuses that the teacher is too busy. We are here to help you. We want to help!
    3. Don’t expect the problem to go away if you ignore it – it won’t!