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HOOP U. Monthly June 2003 |
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- How to stay out of Summer School
By Borquaye Thomas
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- If your too "Cool" for school
you might miss out on the summer heat. Number 23 on the Varsity
Team, what are you doing this summer?
If the answer to this question is that you'll be in summer school
than you should ask yourself two questions. (1) Am I going to
summer school because I want to, or (2) am I going to summer
school because I have to in order to complete my grade level
and be eligible to play ball next year?
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- There is nothing wrong with going to summer
school to advance your educational growth. The problem arises,
however, when students depend on summer school for remediation
to make up classes they failed during the regular school year
due to laziness and/or poor time management. Thus, if another
school year has come to a close and you don't have enough units
to be eligible for next year than you might want to read this
article closely.
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- Summer school can be avoided by a number
of different ways. The most successful way to avoid summer school
is to simply get better grades during the school year. This may
seem easier said than done, but the first step in doing well
in your classes is to realize and accept the fact that you have
the intelligence, self-discipline and ability to get straight
A's every semester.
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- Many students, particularly student-athletes,
feel that it is "uncool" to excel academically. The
choice is yours; you can either take the extra time to study
and enjoy the summer or you can be "cool" with all
the students who have to go to summer school because they didn't
pass their classes either. The following steps are a few suggestions
to improving your grades and hopefully keeping you out of summer
school.
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- 1. Plan
your days. It is important to manage your time effectively. This
can be done by using a planner or organizer and "mapping"
out every task and assignment that is due. Make sure you set
aside at least two hours every day for studying.
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- 2. Start
early; don't wait to the last minute to do homework or study
for a test. Procrastination is the best way to end up in summer
school.
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- 3. Designate
a study area that is free from distraction (i.e. no telephones
or T.V.'s). Some students study better at the library, while
others prefer to study at home. Your place of study should be
organized, well lit and free from clutter and access noise.
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- 4. Use
effective study skills such as using "Flash Cards"
to memorize vocabulary words, important facts, formulas and/or
definitions. When reading, take notes, highlight and/or underline
key phrases and main points.
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- 5. Don't
be afraid to ask for help. If you don't know something, then
ask a fellow student, your teacher or even your parents. Go talk
to your teachers about class material and ask any questions you
might have about the subject matter. Don't be intimidated by
anyone; especially when doing so could hurt your grades. By meeting
with your teacher, you show them that you are concerned about
the class (even if you're really not) and that you are working
for a good grade. Ask them, "What do I need to do to get
an A?"
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- While no grade is guaranteed, if you use
the same amount of energy in the classroom that you do for your
sport, there will definitely be a significant change in your
grades. It will only work when you try. In the end, not only
will you enjoy your summer, but also be academically prepared
for the next level of education.
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