HELP! I'm Failing and I Don't Know What to Do!!

First off - a head's up. Anyone with less than 40% was marked as having an F at midterms. Just to wake you up to a possibility. Anyone under 55% got a D marked in. Grades will be sent home reflecting this. THIS IS NOT YOUR FINAL GRADE - IT ONLY MEANS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS (effort, understanding, ability, interest, assistance/guidance, etc.). Now - what can you do about it (and many of you who are in the 60s-80s probably want better marks too).

1. Read to understand, not to just "get it done" so you can say to yourself you finished. It may take you more time to comprehend a textbook designed for Political Science 101 college students. But it is not beyond any of you. If you can't answer the why, or how after answering the what, who, and when - go back and reread it. It may even help to overcome a certain phobia...note-taking. Oh, the horror. Writing down main ideas, questions you may have, and even using new data to support or refute previous ideas may actually improve your understanding...and...wait for it...interest. This may even result in improved achievement!

But wait! There's more!

2. ASK FOR HELP. Seriously, you are seniors. If you have difficulties (time, ability, basic confusion, etc.), seek out someone who can help you. I'm available before or after school (even online) if you have questions. Some of you may even have friends willing and able to clear up some difficulties and share their secrets with you. I am sure many of you can even approach your financial supporters for some emotional and academic assistance - they're your parents. They love you and will, I am sure, do what they can to help you. They don't just pay the bills by buying you clothes, food, and providing some spending money at times. They're there to help nurture and guide you...use 'em.

3. If you're having trouble with the basics of the material, try shmoop. Google it.

4. Pick yourself up, dust off that ego, and believe in yourself. You've made it this far. Don't waste all of the hard work you, your family, your friends, even enemies, teachers, and society as a whole have put into getting you ready for life as an adult.

5. R - E - L - A - X. It's only been 4 weeks. Your first four weeks of life were spent sleeping, pooping, eating, crying, and disrupting your parent's lives. Take it easy on them and yourself and look forward to a new plan with new ideas.

We'll watch some short videos in class tomorrow and I'll share some study/test tricks that have helped me in the past.

Does anyone know the daily themes for Spirit Week?  Post them in the COMMENTS section, thanks.

Lastly - I think Odin is wearing #4 today.

Adios...