Dear Tabby: My grades last semester were really bad. My parents are disappointed and want me to turn it around. I feel like I did my best last semester and so I don’t know what to change to be more successful this semester. Do you have any ideas? -Struggling

Dear Struggling: You are not alone. It is important to stay dedicated and focused this coming semester. The first key to success is organization. Utilize your planner to keep track of assignments, and set aside time everyday for studying and homework.  It is also crucial to communicate with your teachers. Ask them any questions you have about finals or exams, or visit them during tutorial to review difficult concepts. To study for tests and quizzes, you can make flashcards (and practice them frequently), create a study group with your friends, or find a tutor for more in-depth instruction. If you don’t want to spend too much money on a professional tutor, students who have previously taken the class can be very helpful and many upperclassmen are available for tutoring after school. The Aeries Portal is an easy way to stay up to date on your grades, and checking it once a week can ensure that there are no surprises when finals roll around. Lastly, the best thing you can do for your grades is to take every assignment seriously and complete all work on time. One missing assignment can have a great impact on your grade, especially at the beginning of the quarter. Good luck! ____________________________________________________________________________

Contact Dear Tabby by email ([email protected]), or submit a letter to Ms. Ambrose (Room 109).