How to Get Good How to Get Good GradesGrades

Summer SchoolSummer School

Monroe Township Monroe Township High School High School WILLWILL

NOTNOT offer Remedial offer Remedial Summer School!!!Summer School!!!

It is important to It is important to pass all of your pass all of your classes!classes!

Be OrganizedBe Organized1. 1. Use an Assignment NotebookUse an Assignment Notebook **Take it to every class. Write each assignment Take it to every class. Write each assignment

on the page number under the date it’s due.on the page number under the date it’s due.

2. 2. Use Three-Ring BindersUse Three-Ring Binders **These work well because you can easily insert These work well because you can easily insert

handouts. If you miss a day’s notes, you can handouts. If you miss a day’s notes, you can copy someone else’s and insert them where copy someone else’s and insert them where they belong.they belong.

3. 3. Use FoldersUse Folders *Have a different colored pocket folder for *Have a different colored pocket folder for

each class to keep assignments, quizzes and each class to keep assignments, quizzes and tests.tests.

4.4. Have Phone Numbers for ClassmatesHave Phone Numbers for Classmates *Make sure you have the phone number of at *Make sure you have the phone number of at

least one person in each class.least one person in each class.

Be OrganizedBe Organized

5.5. Keep Locker and Backpack Keep Locker and Backpack NeatNeat

*Never put loose papers in *Never put loose papers in your locker, backpack or your locker, backpack or bookbook

6.6. Get Organized Before BedGet Organized Before Bed *Put completed homework *Put completed homework

in appropriate folders. Put in appropriate folders. Put everything you need for the everything you need for the following day in the same following day in the same place each night.place each night.

Be Successful in the ClassroomBe Successful in the Classroom1.1. Adapt to Different TeachersAdapt to Different Teachers *In the classroom, the teachers are in charge *In the classroom, the teachers are in charge

and make the rules. Learn to adapt to and make the rules. Learn to adapt to different personalities, teaching styles and different personalities, teaching styles and expectationsexpectations

2.2. Be PreparedBe Prepared *Bring books, pencils, paper etc. to class and *Bring books, pencils, paper etc. to class and

have all assignments completed. When you have all assignments completed. When you do you homework, the lecture makes sense do you homework, the lecture makes sense and you can participate in class discussions.and you can participate in class discussions.

3.3. Sit in the Front of Class if possibleSit in the Front of Class if possible *Easier to pay attention and to stay involved.*Easier to pay attention and to stay involved.

4.4. Be Aware of Body LanguageBe Aware of Body Language *Teachers know who is paying attention, who *Teachers know who is paying attention, who

is taking notes and listeningis taking notes and listening

Be Successful in the ClassroomBe Successful in the Classroom5. 5. Always Do Your HomeworkAlways Do Your Homework *A significant portion of your grade is usually *A significant portion of your grade is usually

based on homework. Your grade drops every based on homework. Your grade drops every time you miss an assignment. time you miss an assignment.

6.6. Participate in ClassParticipate in Class *Many teachers give participation points. *Many teachers give participation points.

These are easy to get. Participating keeps you These are easy to get. Participating keeps you focused and keeps your mind from wandering.focused and keeps your mind from wandering.

7.7. Treat Others with Courtesy and RespectTreat Others with Courtesy and Respect *Treat teachers and classmates the same way *Treat teachers and classmates the same way

that you want to be treatedthat you want to be treated

8.8. Involve Your ParentsInvolve Your Parents *Make parents your allies. When they ask *Make parents your allies. When they ask

“What did you do in school today/” tell them.“What did you do in school today/” tell them.

Take Good NotesTake Good Notes1.1. Be An Active ListenerBe An Active Listener *When you actively listen, you think about and try to understand the *When you actively listen, you think about and try to understand the

information that is being presented.information that is being presented.

2. 2. Take Notes to Help You Pay AttentionTake Notes to Help You Pay Attention *When you take notes, you don’t have time to think about anything else. *When you take notes, you don’t have time to think about anything else.

3.3. Recognize Important InformationRecognize Important Information *Anything your teacher takes the time to write on the board or overhead *Anything your teacher takes the time to write on the board or overhead

should be considered very important. Underline or put a star beside it should be considered very important. Underline or put a star beside it so you remember to give it special attention later.so you remember to give it special attention later.

4.4. Take Notes that are Easy to ReadTake Notes that are Easy to Read *Put the name of the class, the date, and the page number at the top of *Put the name of the class, the date, and the page number at the top of

each page of notes. Write on every other line so you will have space if each page of notes. Write on every other line so you will have space if you want to add something later. Use symbols and abbreviations. you want to add something later. Use symbols and abbreviations. Write key words in margins. Go over notes to keep them fresh in your Write key words in margins. Go over notes to keep them fresh in your mind. mind.

5. 5. Get Lecture Notes When You are AbsentGet Lecture Notes When You are Absent

How to Read a TextbookHow to Read a Textbook

1.1. SCANSCAN *Read the title, the subtitles, and everything in *Read the title, the subtitles, and everything in

bold and italic print. Look at all pictures, graphs bold and italic print. Look at all pictures, graphs and charts. Read review questions and and charts. Read review questions and summaries.summaries.

2.2. READREAD *When your reading has a purpose, your *When your reading has a purpose, your

comprehension improves and it’s easier to stay comprehension improves and it’s easier to stay focused. Turn each boldfaced subtitle into a focused. Turn each boldfaced subtitle into a question.question.

3.3. REVIEWREVIEW *Reviewing locks information into your brain *Reviewing locks information into your brain

before it has a chance to evaporate.before it has a chance to evaporate.

STUDY SMART!STUDY SMART!1.1. Find a Good Place to StudyFind a Good Place to Study *Have a regular place to study that is well lit, comfortable, and has *Have a regular place to study that is well lit, comfortable, and has

surface for writing. Have paper, pencils, a calculator, dictionary surface for writing. Have paper, pencils, a calculator, dictionary and thesaurus. and thesaurus.

2.2. Get StartedGet Started *Begin with something simple or a subject you like*Begin with something simple or a subject you like

3.3. Know Your Learning StyleKnow Your Learning Style *Some students learn best by seeing the material, some from *Some students learn best by seeing the material, some from

hearing the information, and some learn best by doing. Think hearing the information, and some learn best by doing. Think about how you learn and adjust how you study accordingly.about how you learn and adjust how you study accordingly.

4.4. Organize Your Study TimeOrganize Your Study Time *Before you study, make a plan. Decide what needs to get done *Before you study, make a plan. Decide what needs to get done

and the order in which you will do it. Always allow more time than and the order in which you will do it. Always allow more time than you think you’ll need. If you have something that seems you think you’ll need. If you have something that seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts. If you have overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts. If you have something to memorize, work on that first, and then review it again something to memorize, work on that first, and then review it again at the end of your study session.at the end of your study session.

STUDY SMART!!STUDY SMART!!55. Study For Tests. Study For Tests

*Know what the test is going to cover so you know what to study. Pay *Know what the test is going to cover so you know what to study. Pay particularly close attention in class the day before at test. This is usually particularly close attention in class the day before at test. This is usually when teachers review information that you need to know. If a teacher when teachers review information that you need to know. If a teacher gives you a review sheet, study it until you know all of the material on it. gives you a review sheet, study it until you know all of the material on it.

Essay TestsEssay Tests

Understand the big picture and know main points and key facts.Understand the big picture and know main points and key facts.

Fill in the Blank and Multiple ChoiceFill in the Blank and Multiple Choice

You need to know more detailed informationYou need to know more detailed information

**You really know something if you can explain it in YOUR OWN WORDS!!**You really know something if you can explain it in YOUR OWN WORDS!!

STUDY SMART!!STUDY SMART!!

6.6. Review OftenReview Often *When you review, you move information *When you review, you move information

from your short-term memory into your long-from your short-term memory into your long-term memory.term memory.

7.7. Use Tricks to Help MemorizeUse Tricks to Help Memorize *Use study cards or flash cards to memorize *Use study cards or flash cards to memorize

vocabulary works, facts and lists. If you have vocabulary works, facts and lists. If you have a lot to memorize, spread it out over a period a lot to memorize, spread it out over a period of time and keep going over and over it. of time and keep going over and over it. Right before you go to sleep, go over and Right before you go to sleep, go over and information that you want to remember.information that you want to remember.

Study Smart!!Study Smart!!

8.8. Know How to Write a Paper Know How to Write a Paper *The key is to spread it out over as much time as *The key is to spread it out over as much time as

possible. Writing a paper is a process. possible. Writing a paper is a process.

1. Start by brainstorming and taking notes, 1. Start by brainstorming and taking notes, 2. Make an outline. 2. Make an outline. 3. From your outline, write a rough draft. 3. From your outline, write a rough draft. 4. Rewrite the paper until you have it just the way you want it, 4. Rewrite the paper until you have it just the way you want it, 5. Write the final draft5. Write the final draft

**To get a good grade on a paper, you must follow the **To get a good grade on a paper, you must follow the directions exactly, make sure there are no spelling or directions exactly, make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, have someone else read your paper grammatical errors, have someone else read your paper to give you suggestions, make sure your paper is neat, to give you suggestions, make sure your paper is neat, and always turn your paper in on time!and always turn your paper in on time!

Use Test-Taking StrategiesUse Test-Taking Strategies

1.1. Get a Good StartGet a Good Start *Have everything you need for the test: (pencil, *Have everything you need for the test: (pencil,

erasable pen, calculator, etc.) If you have a couple of erasable pen, calculator, etc.) If you have a couple of minutes before the test, try to relax.minutes before the test, try to relax.

2.2. Develop a PlanDevelop a Plan *Before you begin answering questions, quickly look *Before you begin answering questions, quickly look

over the entire test and develop a plan.over the entire test and develop a plan.

3.3. Mark Questions that you Want to Return toMark Questions that you Want to Return to *Put a dot or light check mark by any answer you’re not *Put a dot or light check mark by any answer you’re not

sure of. After you go through all questions, return to the sure of. After you go through all questions, return to the ones you marked and try again. **ones you marked and try again. **Don’t panic if you Don’t panic if you don’t know the answers to the first few questions. don’t know the answers to the first few questions. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for your brain to get Sometimes it takes a few minutes for your brain to get into gear.into gear.

Test TakingTest Taking

4.4. Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice

*Try to come up with the answer in your head before *Try to come up with the answer in your head before you look at the choices. If you are not sure of the you look at the choices. If you are not sure of the answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then make an educated by crossing them out, and then make an educated guessguess

5.5. True/FalseTrue/False

*Statements with *Statements with always, never, allalways, never, all, and , and nonenone in them in them are usually FALSE. Statements with are usually FALSE. Statements with usually, often, usually, often, sometimes, most,sometimes, most, and and many many in them are usually TRUE. in them are usually TRUE. Read questions carefully; one word will often determine Read questions carefully; one word will often determine whether a statement is True or False.whether a statement is True or False.

Test TakingTest Taking6.6. Essay QuestionsEssay Questions

Start with the easiest one. Start with the easiest one. Before any writing, brainstorm. Before any writing, brainstorm. Jot down key words, ideas, and point you want to cover. Jot down key words, ideas, and point you want to cover. Write legibly and in complete sentences. Write legibly and in complete sentences. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise. opening paragraph, state the questions and what the reader can opening paragraph, state the questions and what the reader can

expect to learn from your essayexpect to learn from your essay Middle paragraphs, present examples, details, evidence, and Middle paragraphs, present examples, details, evidence, and

facts to support the points you are making.facts to support the points you are making. Final paragraph, restate your position along with a quick summaryFinal paragraph, restate your position along with a quick summary Reread your answer and make corrections.Reread your answer and make corrections.

Test TakingTest Taking7.7. Math TestsMath Tests *Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer *Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer

will be. Don’t spend too much time on one problem. Move on an will be. Don’t spend too much time on one problem. Move on an come back to it later. come back to it later. Show ALL of your workShow ALL of your work..

8.8. Open Book TestsOpen Book Tests *The key is to be able to locate the information quickly. Highlight your *The key is to be able to locate the information quickly. Highlight your

notes and put self-stick notes or bookmarks in your textbook. You notes and put self-stick notes or bookmarks in your textbook. You can rewrite information you know you’ll need on a separate sheet of can rewrite information you know you’ll need on a separate sheet of paper.paper.

9.9. Check AnswersCheck Answers *If you have time, check all answers, even the ones you know are *If you have time, check all answers, even the ones you know are

correct. You may have read the question wrong or made a careless correct. You may have read the question wrong or made a careless mistake. mistake. Always use all the time that you are given!Always use all the time that you are given!

10.10. Go Over All Returned TestsGo Over All Returned Tests *Go over each question you missed and write in the correct answer. *Go over each question you missed and write in the correct answer.

Check to make sure you test was graded correctly. File all returned Check to make sure you test was graded correctly. File all returned tests in your folders. tests in your folders.

Reduce Test AnxietyReduce Test Anxiety1.1. Some Anxiety is GoodSome Anxiety is Good *A little anxiety before a test improves your concentration and *A little anxiety before a test improves your concentration and

alertness. Excessive worry, or test anxiety will lower your test alertness. Excessive worry, or test anxiety will lower your test scores.scores.

2.2. Study EarlyStudy Early *Review material ahead of time.*Review material ahead of time.

3.3. ConfidenceConfidence *Walk into the test with your head up and you shoulders back. *Walk into the test with your head up and you shoulders back.

If you act confident, you will feel more confidentIf you act confident, you will feel more confident

4.4. Positive ThinkingPositive Thinking *The more you practice this the better you will be.*The more you practice this the better you will be.

5.5. Relaxation TechniquesRelaxation Techniques *Take deep breaths and think of a place where you feel very *Take deep breaths and think of a place where you feel very

relaxed and calm.relaxed and calm.

Get Help When You Need ItGet Help When You Need It1.1. Talk to Your TeacherTalk to Your Teacher *Let your teacher know if you are having difficulty. Make *Let your teacher know if you are having difficulty. Make

arrangements to stay after school or to come into school arrangements to stay after school or to come into school early.early.

2.2. Get a TutorGet a Tutor * Make arrangements to get a student tutor. Outside * Make arrangements to get a student tutor. Outside

tutors are also available for a fee. Check with your tutors are also available for a fee. Check with your Guidance Counselor to see if he or she has a list of tutors.Guidance Counselor to see if he or she has a list of tutors.

**NHS Tutors**NHS Tutors – Monday through Thursday (Media Center) – Monday through Thursday (Media Center) Walk-in or make an appointment with your Counselor.Walk-in or make an appointment with your Counselor.

**CMAC **CMAC – Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)– Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)

**Writing Lab**Writing Lab - Monday through Thursday (Walk-in) - Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)

Guidance CounselorsGuidance CounselorsA-ComA-Com Mr. GrosshandlerMr. Grosshandler

Con-HeCon-He Mr. CernanskyMr. Cernansky

HI-LHI-L Ms. RockoffMs. Rockoff

M-PaM-Pa Ms. MessingerMs. Messinger

Pe-SiPe-Si Mr. LongoMr. Longo

Sk-ZSk-Z Ms. PetersenMs. Petersen