We are all still trying to figure this out. Try to attend the Zoom meetings your teacher hosts as it will help you keep up with the class. Don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers directly too!
Try to post your questions on the online platform you know they are using. For example, if they don't respond to your email but they post daily on Google classroom, maybe private message your question to them. Additionally, read the instructions they give you and ask your friends if you don't understand things-together, you might be able to figure it out without the help of a teacher!
With all of MCPS' policies last year, it may have been easy to fall into a slump of not completing assignments or attending classes. It's important to keep up with work especially this year because policies may be different. Try not to treat online school any differently than normal school and find other reasons to motivate yourself to do the work (e.g. to build your work ethic, to be prepared for college, to learn).
These are unprecedented times and all students and teachers are trying to figure it out. Although it's not the same experience as "normal" school, be patient and open-minded. We are creating a new normal and everyone is still trying to adjust. Also, try to stay optimistic! It may seem sad that we can't go to school together, but we are creating a new experience and this part of your life will be very memorable to say the least! Try to see the good in the situation, it will help make it more fun and enjoyable.
It depends on everyone’s personal experience and each year has its challenges. The transition from middle school to high school might be hard freshman year (but we’re here to help!), sophomore year is when classes get a little harder, lots of people really load up on hard classes junior year, and senior year is when you work on college applications. However, really amazing things also happen each year!
Prioritize your activities and make time for the things that are most important. It’s ok to not be able to do everything, but it’s better to dedicate your time to a few activities than to spread yourself too thin and not be able to give enough of your energy to each activity you do. Also, try to find little pockets of time in your day to get work done, and eliminate any distractions.
Talk to your teacher and see if you can get extra help. You can also talk with your friends who are doing well in that class. Additionally, there are many resources, such as Honors Societies and the Writing Center, that are there to help!
Clubs are a great way to explore any interests you have, no matter how niche they are! Join as many clubs as you want at first, anything that catches your eye, and then decide which ones you want to continue with.
Every year in the fall there is a club fair on Main Street. Go to that! Also, there is a chart of all the clubs at our school which you can find on the RM website and contact information for the sponsors. During Corona time, some clubs are obviously better for a virtual environment than others.
Prioritize your hardest subjects and work the hardest in those classes. Also, get to know your teachers. Ask for help if you need it and don’t be afraid to explain your situation to them.
It’s different for everyone, so try lots of different techniques and figure out what works for you. Some ideas are working with friends in study groups, taking (and reviewing) notes, copying your notes, using a Quizlet, reviewing teacher slideshows, watching videos, reading the textbook, and using flash cards.
It depends on the subjects you are better at. Typically, the SAT is for more STEM-oriented people and the ACT is for more humanities-oriented people. However, this is NOT a set rule! Take a practice test of each and see which one you are better at and like more, and go with that. You also might want to take both.
It depends on when you plan to take the SAT/ACT. Most people take it sometime their junior year. It’s good to start mid to end sophomore year or even the summer after sophomore year.
Take practice tests and buy review books. There are also quite a few tutors in the area who can help.
Join clubs and talk to people who have the same interests as you. Additionally, don’t be afraid to make conversation with people in your classes. Everyone is looking for new friends in high school.
Plan out what you have to do and eliminate distractions. Make sure you work in a place that is comfortable but not too relaxing (you still want to have a good working mindset). It may be helpful to work in a place without your phone, television, and lots of people or noise. It also may be helpful to create a to-do list of things to do. Also, break up your tasks into smaller chunks of work and reward yourself with breaks when completing multiple small tasks. Finally, the best thing to do is just start. After you start working, you will see that it’s probably not as bad as you think and you’ll finish faster.
