Principal’s Message
from Jeff Calden
Finals are Coming!
Finals exams are two weeks out, taking place on Tuesday, December 17, Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19.
Next week is Study Week and teachers will be preparing students for what to expect on their Final Exams.
This weekend is for completing any makeup work you may have to do and get it turned in on Monday.
After that, your time as a student should be spent preparing for your finals. While this can be a stressful time for everyone, below are some tips on how best to navigate yourself toward positive outcomes.
Prioritize the Tests that Matter the Most
It's a mistake to consider all of your finals equal if you do better in one subject than another. Some students think that they should commit equal time to studying for each test. Commit the time where you need it most.
Clarify the Content and Format of your Exams
Find out what the test is going to cover. Know what the format is: multiple choice, essay, short answer, or a combination of different types of questions.
Study Guides are your Friends
If a teacher is nice enough to create a study guide USE IT! They tell you exactly what to study.
Learn how YOU study Best
Everyone learns differently. Just because your friend makes color-coded outlines, it doesn't mean that's the best way for you to study. Use Mnemonics. Make Flashcards. Study the way that works best for you.
Remove Distractions
Music may help you study, so turn it on if that’s what works for you. But turn off the TV and TURN OFF YOUR PHONE! If you can’t live without it for more than an hour, turn it off and check it when you take a break. Remove yourself from other humans, unless they are studying with you. Don’t study with another human who is distracting or doesn’t take studying as seriously as you do. That isn't studying, it's wasting your precious time.
Multi-Tasking is a Myth
If you think you can study while also doing other things, you can't. Research shows that multi-tasking is truly a myth. Doing two things at once doesn't save time. It just makes you less successful at both things. If you are more interested in learning this sad fact that many people cannot accept, you can read about it here: Multi-tasking is a Myth.
Take Breaks
When you study, your brain consumes glucose. Take a five-minute break every hour to let your body produce more fuel for your studying. Take a walk, have a healthy snack and stretch. Taking breaks will actually improve your studying.
Know when to Stop Studying
Eight to Twelve hours from the actual test, it's probably time to stop studying. You're not going to learn a lot of new content at this point. The likelihood is much higher that you're going to stress yourself out and confuse yourself.
Get Some Sleep and Eat Breakfast.
Eight hours is ideal for the night before an exam. It may be tempting to stay up late studying, but remember that you are going to need energy and focus for your exam. So Sleep and then Eat. Bonus: these are two of everybody’s favorite things to do.
Naturally Energize yourself the Morning of the exam
Do something stimulating the morning of the exam: Make pancakes, take your dog for a walk, or get some exercise. Do something that's going to make you feel alive and positive and will build up your energy level and confidence before the test.
Be Careful with Caffeine and Avoid Energy Drinks the Morning of the exam
Biggest mistake people make before an Exam. Overstimulation will make your hands shake, your brain rattle, and your attention span disappear. And there is a good chance you will simply crash in the middle of the test.
Relax and Breathe!
You've survived final exams before, and you'll survive them this time too. If you're feeling nervous when you sit down to take the test, close your eyes and take some slow, steady breaths. Inhale through your nose and picture that breath going to the top of your head. Exhale through your mouth and picture that breath coming out your belly button.
It may be a little weird, but it works!
SLVHS Students will Take State of California Tobacco Survey Next Month
SLVHS was selected by the State of California to participate in an anonymous student survey about tobacco exposure, use, accessibility, and susceptibility. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please fill out the opt-out form that will go home in English class next week. Students will take the anonymous online survey between Jan 6 and 17 during English class. If you have any questions, you can contact the California Student Tobacco Survey at [email protected] or 858-300-1088.
'Tis the Season - for the FLU!
Below is a message from our District Nurse Sarah Dahlen regarding Cold and Flu season.
There is a detailed letter regarding influenza and its dangers attached to this email.
We do want all students at school when they can be here, but if someone has the flu, they need to stay home and be properly cared for.
Yes - even during Finals!
Order your 2020 SLVHS Graphic Design Class Calendar Now!
The SLVHS Graphic Design classes have created a 2020 calendar featuring original line art illustrations by the students in the class.
This would look great on your wall or wrapped up as a Holiday gift for a friend or loved one.
All net proceeds from sales of the calendar will be donated to a local charity for the unsheltered.
Thank you for supporting our SLVHS student artists!
SLVHS is Looking for Volunteers to Speak at a Medical Careers Panel
We are looking for volunteers to speak as part of a medical career panel for SLV High School Students on Wednesday, February 5 from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. We are looking for a medical assistant, x-ray technician, athletic trainer, sports medicine, physical therapist, and phlebotomist to come and speak with our students and answer questions about the field.
If you are interested, please email Karin: [email protected]
Schedule for the Week of December 9 - 13
Monday |
December 9 |
ERA |
Early Release A Day - 2:01 Dismissal Grad Night Mtg - 6:30 pm |
Tuesday |
December 10 |
O |
Cap and Gown Orders (A-L) |
Wednesday |
December 11 |
E |
Cap and Gown Orders (M-Z) Athletic Boosters Mtg - 6:00 pm |
Thursday |
December 12 |
O |
|
Friday |
December 13 |
E |
Cap and Gown Orders (Makeups) |
SLV Middle School Presents Seussical - First Show Tonight in the SLV Performing Arts Center
Come join the fun with 50 San Lorenzo Valley Middle School students as they bring joy, laughter, and heartfelt family fun to the Dr. Seuss story of Horton Hears a Who through the wonderful music celebrated in "Seussical Jr."
Tickets:
$15 - General
$10 - Staff/Students/Seniors
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Presidential Inauguration 2021
Our school will be joining thousands of students nationwide to participate in the Close Up Foundation’s week-long Presidential Inauguration program in Washington, DC. We will be attending the program January 16-22, 2021. The cost is $2,865.
Your student will have the opportunity to:
- Witness the Presidential Inauguration on the national mall and attend a student Inaugural Ball.
- Meet students from all over the country and make new friends
- Experience D.C: monuments, memorials, museums, neighborhoods, and some hidden gems.
- Participate in simulation and debates on key issues
- Visit Capitol Hill for Walking Workshop
If you are interested, please contact Cindy Martinez at [email protected] for more information. And visit closeup.org
Support SLVHS When You Do Your Holiday Shopping
Please support college, career, and enrichment activities for all kids at SLVHS by using the Benefit Mobile App. It’s like using escrip but for lots of businesses. You can use it to purchase items from over 200 retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Kmart, CVS, Safeway, Home Depot, AirBnB airlines and more (see www.benefit-mobile.com/our-retailers for a full list) and they will donate 2-12% of your purchase to the SLV High School Cougar Club. It just takes a couple of quick steps to get started:
- Download the Benefit app.
- Select SLV High School Cougar Club as your beneficiary
- Link your bank account (we get a higher percentage or your purchase) or credit card.
- Then you purchase gift cards for the amount of your choice for any of the retailers on the list and use those to make your purchases.
This a great way to support SLVHS educational programs without having to spend any additional money. Email [email protected] if you have any questions about it or problems enrolling.
Use Amazon Smile to Support Grad Night
We know many groups are requesting your support for donations through the Amazon Smile program. Please consider switching your Amazon Smile recipient to San Lorenzo Valley High School Grad Night. Our group will receive 0.5% of eligible Amazon Smile purchases. Thanks in advance for supporting SLVHS Grad Night 2020!
Save the Date for Wine & Chocolate
New Felton Library is Looking for Homework Help Supervisors
In the Felton Branch, this position will entail 2.5 hours an afternoon two to three days a week, beginning in February or March and ending May 31. Although the attached job description does not mention pay rate, it is approximately $25/hr. FLF will provide the funding for the position. The teacher will be hired and paid by the SC Public Libraries via the City of Santa Cruz
Coping With Stress Workshops
Below are some helpful links and contact information for SLV High School students and parents:
SLV High School Website SLV High School Calendar SLV High School Bell Schedule
SLVUSD 2019-20 School Year Calendar SLVHS Student Handbook
Administration Staff Directory Campus Map
SLVHS Cougar Parent Club SLVHS Athletics Booster Club
SAN LORENZO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
7105 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018
Phone: (831) 335-4425
Fax: (831) 335-1531
Attendance Line: (831) 335-3646
This is a reminder that San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District policy, as set by the Board of Trustees, declares that we are a fragrant-neutral district. As we begin to have our drama performances and other site-based activities and meetings, please take care to follow the policies below for the sake of the students and members of our community who are highly allergic to fragrances and scents.
The SLVUSD Board of Trustees adopted a California School Board Association policy to make all district classrooms and offices fragrant neutral. SLVHS has parents, students, and community members with respiratory issues who can have negative reactions to fragrances. Please take care to follow the policy while on campus.
Staff and students shall refrain from bringing furred or feathered animals, stuffed toys that may collect dust mites, scented candles, incense or air fresheners and from using perfume or cologne, scented hair spray, nail polish or nail polish remover that are not fragrance-free in classrooms or other enclosed areas or buildings.
The Community Opportunity Link is provided as a courtesy for parents and students by the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District to receive information of current local events and other student opportunities. These opportunities range from scouting, sports, arts/drama, local community events, as well as other parent resources. In an effort to reduce paper, flyers will not be sent home to students; all approved flyers will be posted to this District-created website.