As finals week descends upon TJ, teachers recommend that students study, work hard, and do their best.
Students prepare for finals at TJ. Artwork and photo by Tori Wallace
Finals week is here, leaving many students stressed out over grades, tests and projects to complete. During this time of the year, teachers evaluate the knowledge of students through the rigorous assessments they administer.
Dean of Students, Mike Laurita, encourages students to do their best on finals. “Study! Go to bed early, get a good night’s sleep, silence your phone, and don’t forget to pay attention in class,” he says. Students should take their finals seriously and should make sure to do their best in order to obtain good grades. “Finals are about 10% of your grade in one day or more, depending on how each teacher weighs it,” said Laurita. With so much of one’s grade at stake, it’s important to stay calm and to maintain focus throughout any final.
Kirk Hammond, one of TJ’s science teachers, also believes students should be prepared for finals week. “Students should make note cards or list questions they are confused on to help them study for finals, as well as learn the content of the class,” said Hammond. Using note cards or asking questions helps students organize their thoughts and may lead to a better understanding of subjects talked about in class. Hammond believes, “It’s very important for students to do their best since finals give you an idea of how much you have learned during the semester. Remember to not stress, get enough sleep, and be confident.”
There are obvious consequences to doing poorly on finals. “Your grades will drop, you will be frustrated, and you will probably end up driving a big green tractor if you do badly of your finals!” said Laurita.
Students must remember that finals are a reflection of the knowledge acquired through out the semester. “If you do badly on your finals you’ll make people think you haven’t learned anything,” said Hammond.
Mike Christoff, an administrator here at TJ, views finals as a very important part of the semester grading period. “Finals are a measure of your progress for the semester as a total. It helps students prepare because you will always have to take tests later on in life no matter the career you decide to pursue. Even I have to take mid-term evaluations with Ms. Just,” he said. “It’s important to get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, and study either by making flashcards, reviewing notes, or organizing a study group,” said Christoff.
Teachers are not the only ones to supply finals help to students. This year The SHIELD will be offering extra assistance to any student who requires it. The SHIELD will be open until 3 p.m. everyday, including during finals. The SHIELD staff will provide help with homework, final exam reviews, unit recovery, essays, retention quizzes and any other assignment. Liz Buffington, as well as all of the other SHIELD staff, say they will do their best to assist students whenever needed. “There will be at least one of us here, if not all,” she said.
FINALS SCHEDULE Fall of 2012
Monday, December 17th
Normal Schedule
Tuesday, December 18th
7:30 to 8:00 (Study Time) Period 2- 8:00 to 9:30 (Final) Period 3- 9:40 to 11:10 (Final) Period 4- 11:20 to 12:50 (Final) Lunch 12:50 to 1:50 1:50 to 3:00 Test make-up and teacher conferences
Wednesday, December 19th
7:30 to 8:00 (Study Time) Period 6- 8:00 to 9:30 (Final) Period 7- 9:50 to 11:20 (Final) Test make-up- 11:20 to 12:50 (Finals Make-up) Lunch – 12:50 to 1:50 1:50 to 3:00 Test make-up and teacher conferences
Thursday, December 20th
7:30 to 8:00 (Study Time) Period 1- 8:00 TO 9:30 (Final) Period 8- 9:40 to 11:10 (Final) Test make-up- 11:10 to 12:40 (Finals Make-up) Lunch – 12:40 to 1:40 1:00 to 3:00 Test make-up and teacher conferences
