Newsletter 12-6-19

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