Finals,
a single word that strikes fear into the heart of every high school student.
However, the advisory tree activity on Dec. 3 aimed to dispel, or at least lessen, confusion or nervousness about the upcoming final exams, which serve as a culmination of what students have learned throughout the whole semester.
Juniors and seniors paired up with sophomores and ninth-graders and for 45 minutes, students could be seen walking around the school, giving each other advice.
Ninth-grader Geneva McNamara-Drui asked a classic question, “Well, how do you study for finals?” Sophomore Sara Karmaliani responded with, “Go over old tests and review packets, meet with your teachers and zoom in on topics you are not comfortable with.”
Additionally, Senior Ethan He explained how he would make his own review sheets. “For hard topics, I would just make my own questions related to a subject and then I would solve them.”
Additionally, students asked about how best to manage their time.
Ninth-grader Zela Christensen received advice about “The schedule and how finals don’t really impact your grade that much.” It is important to remember that the majority of the work a student has already done makes up the bulk of their grade and while most finals are worth 15% to 20% of a final grade, in the full scope of things finals are a small component.
Junior Kieran Monahan’s advice was simple, yet wise. “Utilize the free time — you get a lot of it,” he said. Tutorials and free blocks before and after exams provide ample time to join a study group meet with teachers or even take a nap, if you need it.
Sophomore Tarq Johnson asked, “If I don’t miss any exams, do I get that Friday off?” To which senior Murray Goff explained that the Friday of exam week is a makeup day for those who are sick or missed their exam for other reasons.
For project-based exams, start early. Do not put anything off till the last moment. While it is easier said than done, taking little steps each day can make the final product more manageable.
Once everyone returned from their walk-and-talk, students took out scissors and paper and created unique paper snowflakes. Many students opted to include a nice note on their snowflakes. The snowflakes will be displayed around the school as a festive and encouraging way to get through these last two weeks of school before winter break.
Final exams will be held Dec. 15 to 18.
