How To Succeed In High School Part One: Ninth and Tenth Grade
- Hadley Shields
- Oct 10, 2018
- 4 min read
Editor's Note: This article is part of an on-going series about high school success. Be on the lookout for future installments.
I interviewed Mr. Tudisco and Mrs. Walsh and asked them some questions about what they thought would help the ninth and tenth graders to succeed this school year. If you’re interested in learning some helpful tips to make this year your best year, keep reading!
I interviewed Mr. Tudisco to talk about the ninth grade. He acknowledges that the transition from middle school to high school can be difficult for many people, but with the right skills, you can conquer it easily! Remember, this isn’t middle school. While there might be more freedom, you should remember that with freedom comes responsibility. Your failures matter in high school, and while this shouldn't scare you, it is important to keep that in mind. During your high school career there are many different opportunities in store for you, but be careful what you go searching for. If you go searching for trouble, you will find it. Be smart, be responsible, and your transition will go smoothly!
Most of your classes will involve some type of studying, after all, this is high school, but if you study the right way, you are almost guaranteed a great grade! Mr. Tudisco suggests to look over and read papers and worksheets when your teachers give them to you for instructions before you begin the assignment. This will help you to better prepare for the work.
Staying on top of work is very important in high school in order to succeed. Mr. Tudisco says that organization is very important and is even more important than it was in middle school. Having good focus and organization will help you tremendously.
Work on your writing skills as well. The stronger the writer you are, the easier it will be for you to complete your work and the better grades you’ll get. Being a great writer will help you in all your classes!
It is vital to have a good attitude in school. You should come to school knowing you are here to learn and not to be perfect. The more you maintain a good attitude, the better you’ll learn and the easier school will be for you! Remember, the attitude you have in school will make or break your whole year!
Teachers like to see students who participate in class. The more you participate, the more your brain will retain the information! So ask questions, talk about the topic. Actively listen in class, and you’ll be sure to succeed! Get involved with the school too. Play a sport or join a club, and if we don’t have a club that you like, create your own. This is your life that you get to live. Make the most of it!
If you use these tips from Mr. Tudisco to your advantage, you will have an amazing year and will succeed in your first year of high school! Good luck!
I then talked to Mrs. Walsh about tenth grade to get some of her tips for success. Whether you’re a tenth grader or not, these tips will surely help you to succeed and do your best this year!
Mrs. Walsh stresses the importance of time management and thinks it is something that all students should try their best to master. Learn to get work done and don’t procrastinate, especially on important projects. If you stay on top of your work, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to enjoy school. Mrs. Walsh thinks the attribute that takes kids to the next level is their perseverance. Don’t give up! Everyone can do it, it’s just a matter of pushing through and asking for help when you need it.
Something she mentioned that has been helpful for her past students is communicating with their teachers. Talk to your teachers after you are absent, and ask questions. Constantly checking the grade book to keep yourself updated on your progress and missing assignments is vital! Remember to talk to your teachers if something seems incorrect, or if you have a question about a grade. Try to have an open-minded relationship with your teachers, and you’ll have the best chance at a good school life.
Mrs. Walsh also shared some great study tips with me. She recommends studying in small chunks. About five to twenty minutes at night, whether reading or taking notes, and remember to take breaks in between study sessions. Get a snack or just take a mental break, it will help you to correctly process the information. Don’t try to cram the night before a test, this is likely to only make you more stressed. Most importantly, remember to keep your phone away! Whether studying or in class, it’s a huge distraction for everyone. You, your classmate, and your teacher. So set it aside, and get to work!
I also asked Mrs. Walsh what types of students she enjoys in class. She said she appreciates kids who are attentive and obedient, but she also likes to see students who push boundaries whether it’s with their critical thinking or creativity. Sometimes these kids can push back in class, which can be hard as a teacher to handle on a behavioral basis, but as far as being successful in life, they are likely to be entrepreneurs and creative thinkers that can develop new ideas to better our society. It depends on the student, but what teachers most like to see is students who try.
This is the last year for students before they have exits to do for their English classes. After sophomore year students are expected to take initiative and advocate for themselves! Mrs. Walsh does have some tips for preparing to do your junior and senior exits. Do some research beforehand in your spare time and search for topics that you’re interested in. Read more! The more you read, the more things you learn about the world which can give you a broader perspective about issues across all demographics and groups. Pursue your passions, that’s where you’ll find things you’re the most interested in. Take time to research and you’ll surely find things you enjoy!
I hope these tips and tricks will help you to succeed and make this year great! Good luck and be the best student you can be!
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