Hopefully, information on this web page will be updated daily; however, all information including announcements, assignments, etc. are subject to change during individual daily classes.  Any information provided in class supercedes information provided on the web page.

Step 1 - Believe in Yourself

         "To suceed, we must first believe that we can."   Michael Korda

Set a goal grade for each class you are taking this semester.

Step 2 - Be Organized

         1.  Use a planner and keep track of assignments and due dates.

         2.  Use a three-ring notebook for class notes.  You can easily insert missing notes or handouts.

         3.  Use folders for schoolwork.  Use a different color for each class.

         4.  Have phone numbers for classmates and teachers.  You will be able to check with classmates if you miss a day and need homework.

         5.  Keep your locker and packpack neat.

         6.  Get organized before you go to bed.

Step 3 - Manage Your Time Well

          1.  Use class time and study halls.

          2.  Create your own study plan and set aside a time to do your homework at home.

          3.  Prepare for sabotage.  Have a backup plan.

Step 4 - Be Successful in the Classroom

          1.  Be in school, on time, every day.

          2.  Learn how to adapt to different teachers.

          3.  Be prepared for each class. (Books, paper, pen, homework, etc.)

          4.  Sit in the front of the class if possible.

          5.  Be aware of your body language.

          6.  Always do your homework. (on time)

          7.  Participate in class.

          8.  Be a good group member.

          9.  Treat others with courtesy and respect.

         10.  Involve your parents.

Step 5- Take Good Notes

         1.  Be an active listener. (Pay attention, listen to the words of the teacher and think about what has been said. Try to understand the information.)

         2.  Take notes to help you pay attention and stay focused.

         3.  Recognize important information. (Listen to teachers tone of voice or verbal cues that someting important is being discussed.)

         4.  Take notes that are easy to read.

              a.  Put the name of class, the date, and the page number at the top of each page of notes.

              b.  Write on every other line and only use one side of the paper.

              c.  Use symbols and abbreviations whenever possible.

              d.  Use pencil or erasable pen to keep your notes neat.

              e.  Leave a wide margin on the left side of each page.  As you're taking notes, listen for key words, and then write these key words in the margins.

        5.  Go over your notes as soon as possible.

        6.  Get copies of class notes if you're absent.

Step 6 - Know How to Read a Textbook

        1.  Scan or Preview text, looking at bold words, pictures, maps, graphs, charts, section headings, etc.  Use those items to set a purpose for reading the information.  Change the headings or bold words into questions that you need to answer after you have read the text.  What is it you will want to know about the Chapter when you have finished reading it?

        2.  Read the text and try to answer the questions you developed.  You should also be able to answer all review questions provided by your book.

        3.  Review the text.  Go back to the beginning and go through the same process you did when you scanned the material.  This time, as you read the boldfaced subtitles, briefly restate the purpose or point of each section using your own words.  Review the vocabulary words again.  Review again a few days later.

Step 7 - Study Smart

         1.  Find a good place to study.

         2.  Get started.  Start with something simple to help you get motivated.

         3.  Know your learning style.

•               Visual Learner (seeing)
•               Auditory Learner (hearing)
•               Kinesthetic Learner (hands on)

          4.  Organize your study time.

•              Before you start to study, make a plan.  Decide exactly what you want to get done and the order in which you're going to do it.  Make sure that your plan is realistic.
• Prioritize your work
• Break tasks down into smaller parts
• Allow more time than you think you need
• Work on things to memorize first and then go over it again last.
• Do your least favorite first
• Alternate types (reading, math, reading)
• Take breaks every 20 minutes

          5.  Know how to study for tests

• Know info. to be covered
• Pay attention in class esp. the day before test
• Have all reading done
• Go over review questions from book
• Know all vocab
• Do all review sheets
• Be able to explain info in your own words
• Review often and out loud
• Write down names, dates, formulas, and/or facts on index card and review during all free time

          6. Use tricks to help you memorize information

• Flashcards
• Stare at items to memorize
• Go over info. before you go to sleep
• Use acronyms
• Use first letters of info. to make up silly sentences
• Look for easy or logical connections
• Group or catagorize info.
• Use ridiculous, unforgettable images to trigger memory

          7.  Know how to write a paper

• Brainstorm for ideas
• Take notes and research
• Make outline
• Write rough draft
• Rewrite paper and fix
• Write final draft

• Follow directions exactly
• Have someone else read your paper
• Check for misspellings and grammer errors / Don't rely only on spell check. 
• Turn in neat paper
• Turn paper in on time

          8.  Use tricks when making a presentation or speech

• Use props
• Add enthusiasm and energy into voice
• Use good eye contact

         9.  Have good computer skills

Step 8 - Use Test-Taking Strategies

         1.  Get off to a good start 

•  Have everything you need for the test
• Relax
• When you get test, write everything you remember in the margins
• Put name on test
• Read directions carefully

         2.