Aerial View of Faith Lutheran HS

I was recently reading a monograph put out by Woodburn Press entitled “How to Get the Most out of High School.”  Here is a summary plus some of my thoughts:

1.  Understand Your Academic Record:  Almost every university cares about the grades students earn once they begin high school.  Students should care, too!  Students should know how many credits are needed for graduation (30 here at Faith), what their GPA is and how it is calculated, what their class rank is, and what will go on their high school transcripts that are sent to colleges.

2.  Know Your School:  Students should be very familiar with the Student Handbook.  Students should be familiar with the school calendar – paying special attention to when the grading periods (quarters) begin and end and when school will be closed for holidays and vacations.  Since there is typically a close correlation between attendance and academic achievement, students should be familiar with attendance and tardy policies.  Students should be aware of all policies and rules regarding behavior; in fact, students should take an active role in making Faith Lutheran a safe and welcoming place to learn and grow. 

3.  Be in School Every Day:  A no brainer, yet there are some students in every school who don’t prioritize being in every class every day.  Since classes would not be held were they not deemed important, it is critical that students attend every class.  If you know you are going to miss school ahead of time, communicate with your teachers.  If you miss school for an unexpected reason, be sure to talk to each teacher when you return so you know clearly what you missed. 

4.  Know How to Get Good Grades:  Be organized (use your student agenda, have phone numbers for classmates, know the best way to contact your teachers when you’re not at school, keep your locker and backpack neat, and get everything organized for the next day before you go to bed).  Manage your time well (Use any extra time given in class to get started on your homework since the teacher will be there and can answer questions, break down larger assignments into smaller parts, and create a study plan that works for you).  Side note:  even more than getting good grades is make sure you learn; that, ultimately, is why you are in high school.  Be Successful in the Classroom (learn how to adapt to different teachers, be on time to each class every day, have everything you need with you when you go to class, participate in class, always do your homework, don’t leave class with unanswered questions, treat others with courtesy and respect).  Take Good Notes (be an active listener; think about what’s being said, recognize and write down important information, take notes that are neat and easy to read, and if you’re absent, get copies of the notes you missed).  Know How to Read a Textbook (SCAN the assignment to get an overview, READ the assignment, and REVIEW what you’ve read).  Study Smart (find a good place to study, organize your study time, allow more time for homework than you think you’ll need, know how to use a computer, and use memory tricks to help you memorize things).  Use Test Taking Strategies (have everything you’ll need for the test, before you start be sure to look over the entire test, mark the questions to which you would like to return, check your answers, and use all of the time available).

5.  Set Goals:  Setting goals helps you determine where you want to go and what you want to accomplish.  While goals can be short term (get a B on tomorrow’s exam) or long term (graduate with a 3.5 GPA), every goal should be specific, measureable, and attainable.

6.  Get Involved:  Research consistently suggests that the more students are involved, the higher their GPA is and the more they enjoy high school.  While school is pretty cool from 8 am til 3 pm, it’s amazing from 3:30 – 5:30 when clubs, groups, ensembles, and teams practice, perform, and play.  The best universities in the United States make admissions decisions not simply on high grades and ACT/SAT scores, but also what you do with your free time.  Getting involved in after school activities at school, at your church, and/or in the community is very helpful for students’ resumes as they apply to college.  Faith Lutheran offers a multitude of opportunities to run, play, hit, throw, sing, dance, tackle, act, score, perform, serve, and lead.  There is definitely something for everyone. 

7.  Make Good Choices and Decisions:  In high school, students have more freedom and independence.  With that comes more responsibility.  The world is filled with people living with the regret of one (or more)  poor decision or choice.  Prior to making decisions, students should consider how they will respond when placed in various tempting situations so when the time comes, they will know how to respond.  I have seen many students in my office over the years in tears with deep regret and in trouble for poor decisions they have made; more importantly, I see countless students each year who make good decisions at school and on weekends whose lives are filled with hope, confidence, and joy.  Choose to be one of them.

8.  Know How to Handle Stress:  Get enough sleep, eat right, and get plenty of exercise.  Talk to a trusted friend, counselor, or family member about what’s causing your stress.

9.  Use Available Services:  Principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, librarians, secretaries, coaches, and tutors are here to help you.  Don’t ever hesitate to ask any of them for help.

10.  Plan and Prepare for Your Future:  The better you do in high school, the more choices and opportunities you’ll have when it comes to colleges and majors.  Choose your high school courses carefully; challenge yourself.  Choose a career that’s right for you.

And finally, pray.  Each day, pray for God’s guidance, strength, wisdom, courage, and discernment as you use the gifts He’s given you to make a lasting impact for His kingdom.