January is not that far off, and with January comes the end of the first semester of the school year... and the dreaded final exams. Students world-wide always welcome the end-term exams with trepidation and anxiety. And, of course, the anxiety is greater when students are not doing as well as they'd like. But there are ways to minimize final exam anxiety if students begin to prepare for the tests early, and, now, is the time to begin studying. Here are suggestions to help prepare students for final exams.- Review all notes for the semester (September to December) by recopying them, and reorganizing and synthesizing them into study guides. For example, in a beginning foreign language class, notes can be organized by vocabulary themes and grammar topics (like verbs and pronouns).
- When the notes are unclear or confusing, ask the teacher specific questions to clarify the notes.
- Make arrrangements to study with friends and quiz each other on the subject matter.
- Take advantage of tutoring opportunities from teachers, school organizations like NHS, and peers.
- Review old tests and quizzes. Make corrections. If a correction cannot be made, ask the teacher for help.
- Don't wait to the last minutes to start studying. Procrastination always creates great anxiety and stress.
- Finally the night before exams, get a good night's rest (go to bed early) and have a good protein-filled breakfast the morning of exams. (Protein keeps the brain alert.)
We are now in the season of Advent, a time when we reflect on the greatest gift of love God gave to us, His Son, Jesus. Today, we are being asked to give a great give of love, too, but the gift is to the family of one of our students.
Tuesday night, December 4, 2007, the home of one of our students burned to the ground. The family lost everything in the fire. Food, furniture, clothing--everything was destroyed. This family is part of the Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School Community, and it is up to all of us to respond generously to their needs.
We are asking for donations of clothing for a teenage girls 15 years, a 12 year old boy, a 7 year old, and their mother. We are also seeking donations of food, household items, and money to help them rebuild their lives and start anew. Please open your hearts and be generous.
Donations may be brought to the main office. Make checks payable to Bishop Conaty-Loretto and indicate memo line "family in need." For further information, contact Mrs. Lopez in the main office at (323) 737-0012.
Thank you in advance for your generous gifts toward this family in need. May you and your family receive God's blessings.
