Now that the school year is a few weeks in, freshmen are becoming accustomed to the next part of their educational career. Coming from middle school, the classes are expecting more and more from students, and it can be a lot to handle. So, in September some 9th grade teachers gave advice to their students about how to maintain good grades and be successful in the school year.
When 9th grade English teacher, Mr. Jonathan Smither, got asked about the best thing a student can do for their grades, he said, “I think that students should think about what they are learning outside of the class, as well as inside the class. So, they should go home and have conversations about the stories that they are reading in English, or talk with friends about the stories or novels they’re reading in English, because I think the learning should continue out there, outside of class, and not just inside the classroom.” He explains why this is necessary, sharing, “That way they are always thinking about it and they’re learning from different people and different points of view about the same topic.”
Smither is very adamant about his students learning from his class, and not just remembering for the sake of school. When asked if there was anything else he wanted to say in regards to students’ education, he said, “I would like to say that grades are important, but the learning is more important, and so if you learn everything that you should, you will have a grade you are satisfied with. So, don’t chase the grade, really go to school and try to learn what the teachers are trying to teach you, and then you won’t have to worry about grades.”
Mrs. Emily Lewis, a math teacher, also shared her insight behind high school success. When asked about any bad habits she notices within her students, she said, “Bad is just not doing the work, sleeping in class, not participating. Good habits are kind of the opposite, so participating in class, getting your practice done, if they don’t understand something, asking questions.” Lewis strongly advises to ask for help if you need it. “I think the longer you wait to ask for help, the harder it is to ask later. So, sometimes school is super easy for students for maybe middle school or high school, but when they get to college, if they haven’t learned to ask for help at all, then it’s even more difficult in the long run.” She encourages students to practice good habits like this to be successful.
Teachers have been through high school as well, and have experienced life as both a student and a mentor. They understand what their class is going through and want to help. Their advice to students may be extremely helpful if they are willing to ask for it.
