As the Glendale Unified School District begins to wrap up its first five weeks of school, teachers are working hard to put in grades for the five-week progress reports due on Friday.
Progress reports are vital, as they enable students to be aware of their current standing and what they can do to improve or maintain their letter grade in each class.
However, it’s also important to recognize that they are not a direct representation of your final grade.
The Counseling Newsletter email that was sent out this week provided students with tips on how to succeed academically in the future. These tips included, but are not limited to:
- Attending free tutoring in the Collaboratory
- Taking advantage of Educational Opportunity (EO) time, Wednesday and Friday, 11:35 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
- Coming prepared with a Chromebook and supplies
- Being on time for every class
- Communicating excused absences with teachers
Another good idea is to ask questions when you don’t understand instruction rather than staying quiet. Teachers want to help, but they need to know when you’re stuck.
Additionally, creating a schedule for homework and studying can help you avoid falling behind.
Some students also find it useful to study with a friend or group because it makes learning more fun and less stressful.
“I think it’s been great. The freshmen in my English classes are very focused and engaged,” said English teacher and girls golf coach at Hoover, Julianna Salce. “Grading can be overwhelming; sometimes it can pile up, but so far it’s manageable. ”
Taking short breaks while studying can help you stay focused longer.
Even just standing up, stretching, or grabbing some water makes a big difference.
And don’t forget, balance matters too. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying positive all play a big role in doing well at school.
Similar to students, teachers at Hoover need to maintain just as much balance when it comes to preparing their classes everyday and grading homework and tests.
“I would say it’s pretty challenging because I’m used to the block schedule, and I’m hoping I’ll get used to it soon,” said Mariam Danial, the photography teacher at Hoover.
In the end, progress reports are just a checkpoint.
