Wrapping up the First Semester

12/12/2024

Jason Dowdy

It is hard to believe we are already wrapping up the first semester! The semester has been a whirlwind of activities and learning, and I am proud of the work our students have put into their classes and activities. It has been a lot of fun watching the engaging lessons and projects in the classrooms and cheering on our students at after-school athletic events and arts productions. The recent Festival of Lessons and Carols evening showcased our middle school choral singers, who under the direction of Ms. Esposito, did an incredible job and helped to get all of us into the spirit of the season. I am so thankful for the amazing Saint Edward's community, and it is never on greater display than when our students come into the office to drop off their Angel Tree presents. Middle school students and families adopted all of the children on our Angel Tree and are going to help give families in need in our area a very special Christmas.

As we wrap up the semester, it is also important to remember that middle school is a critical time for students to build the skills and habits that they will need for upper school and beyond. One of the reasons students take semester exams in middle school is to help them learn how to study and prepare for them. We also do this during middle school when the stakes are lower. This semester, eighth grade students, and seventh grade students in Algebra, will take exams. Here are a few reminders that can help students as they begin studying for exams or any test during the year.

Encourage them to start early and not wait until the night before an exam to begin studying. Study Halls can get busy right before a test or exam, so they should plan ahead and see teachers early with specific questions.
Help students set up a consistent place to study and avoid having students study in their room alone. An area close to kitchen while you are making dinner, or in a family area, allows you to easily check on them and will help students stay on task.
Organize old notes, homework assignments, quizzes and tests to use for studying.
Break up studying into chunks of 20 - 30 minutes, and schedule time for breaks.
Help students by quizzing them on material or letting them quiz you. We know that teaching material to someone else is one of the best ways to learn, so this can be a great technique and is fun for students.

Finally, a few reminders about upcoming events as we finish the semester. We have our All School Chapel on Friday, December 13, and we have a special schedule. On Monday, we have a 'C' day, but all classes will meet, so the 'G' block will meet during the 9th period Study Hall. On Tuesday, December 17 - Thursday, December 19, eighth graders will take their exams at 9 a.m. each morning. They have English on Tuesday, Math on Wednesday, and Science on Thursday. Students need to be here for their exams, but they should be picked up afterward and not remain on campus. Seventh graders in Algebra will take the math exam on Wednesday, and they do not need to attend school for the remainder of the day on the 20th. Sixth and seventh grade students will have normal class schedules December 17 - 19, but they do not have school on December 20.

I wish you all a very happy and joyful holiday.