How to Get Good Grades

							How to Get Good
    Grades
              Summer School

   Monroe Township
    High School WILL

    NOT offer Remedial
    Summer School!!!

   It is important to
    pass all of your
    classes!
                      Be Organized
1.    Use an Assignment Notebook
     *Take it to every class. Write each assignment
       on the page number under the date it’s due.

2.    Use Three-Ring Binders
     *These work well because you can easily insert
       handouts. If you miss a day’s notes, you can
       copy someone else’s and insert them where
       they belong.

3.     Use Folders
      *Have a different colored pocket folder for
       each class to keep assignments, quizzes and
       tests.

4.     Have Phone Numbers for Classmates
      *Make sure you have the phone number of at
       least one person in each class.
                 Be Organized
5.   Keep Locker and Backpack
     Neat
      *Never put loose papers in
     your locker, backpack or
     book

6.   Get Organized Before Bed
      *Put completed homework
     in appropriate folders. Put
     everything you need for the
     following day in the same
     place each night.
Be Successful in the Classroom
        1.    Adapt to Different Teachers
             *In the classroom, the teachers are in charge
              and make the rules. Learn to adapt to
              different personalities, teaching styles and
              expectations

        2.    Be Prepared
             *Bring books, pencils, paper etc. to class and
              have all assignments completed. When you
              do you homework, the lecture makes sense
              and you can participate in class discussions.

        3.    Sit in the Front of Class if possible
             *Easier to pay attention and to stay involved.

        4.    Be Aware of Body Language
             *Teachers know who is paying attention, who
              is taking notes and listening
Be Successful in the Classroom
5.    Always Do Your Homework
     *A significant portion of your grade is usually
      based on homework. Your grade drops every
      time you miss an assignment.

6.    Participate in Class
     *Many teachers give participation points.
      These are easy to get. Participating keeps you
      focused and keeps your mind from wandering.

7.   Treat Others with Courtesy and Respect
     *Treat teachers and classmates the same way
     that you want to be treated

8.   Involve Your Parents
     *Make parents your allies. When they ask
     “What did you do in school today/” tell them.
                    Take Good Notes
1.    Be An Active Listener
     *When you actively listen, you think about and try to understand the
      information that is being presented.

2.    Take Notes to Help You Pay Attention
     *When you take notes, you don’t have time to think about anything
       else.

3.    Recognize Important Information
     *Anything your teacher takes the time to write on the board or
      overhead should be considered very important. Underline or put a
      star beside it so you remember to give it special attention later.

4.     Take Notes that are Easy to Read
      *Put the name of the class, the date, and the page number at the top
       of each page of notes. Write on every other line so you will have
       space if you want to add something later. Use symbols and
       abbreviations. Write key words in margins. Go over notes to keep
       them fresh in your mind.

5.    Get Lecture Notes When You are Absent
        How to Read a Textbook
1.    SCAN
     *Read the title, the subtitles, and everything in
      bold and italic print. Look at all pictures, graphs
      and charts. Read review questions and
      summaries.

2.   READ
     *When your reading has a purpose, your
     comprehension improves and it’s easier to stay
     focused. Turn each boldfaced subtitle into a
     question.

3.   REVIEW
     *Reviewing locks information into your brain
     before it has a chance to evaporate.
                      STUDY SMART!
1.     Find a Good Place to Study
     *Have a regular place to study that is well lit, comfortable, and has
       surface for writing. Have paper, pencils, a calculator, dictionary
       and thesaurus.

2.    Get Started
     *Begin with something simple or a subject you like

3.    Know Your Learning Style
     *Some students learn best by seeing the material, some from
      hearing the information, and some learn best by doing. Think
      about how you learn and adjust how you study accordingly.

4.     Organize Your Study Time
      *Before you study, make a plan. Decide what needs to get done
       and the order in which you will do it. Always allow more time than
       you think you’ll need. If you have something that seems
       overwhelming, break it down into smaller parts. If you have
       something to memorize, work on that first, and then review it again
       at the end of your study session.
                  STUDY SMART!!
5.   Study For Tests
     *Know what the test is going to cover so you know what to study. Pay
     particularly close attention in class the day before at test. This is usually
     when teachers review information that you need to know. If a teacher
     gives you a review sheet, study it until you know all of the material on it.

     Essay Tests
     Understand the big picture and know main points and key facts.

     Fill in the Blank and Multiple Choice
     You need to know more detailed information

**You really know something if you can explain it in YOUR OWN WORDS!!
              STUDY SMART!!
6.   Review Often
      *When you review, you move information
     from your short-term memory into your long-
     term memory.

7.   Use Tricks to Help Memorize
      *Use study cards or flash cards to memorize
     vocabulary works, facts and lists. If you have
     a lot to memorize, spread it out over a period
     of time and keep going over and over it.
     Right before you go to sleep, go over and
     information that you want to remember.
                       Study Smart!!
8.   Know How to Write a Paper
       *The key is to spread it out over as much time as
       possible. Writing a paper is a process.

1.   Start by brainstorming and taking notes,
2.   Make an outline.
3.   From your outline, write a rough draft.
4.   Rewrite the paper until you have it just the way you want it,
5.   Write the final draft

**To get a good grade on a paper, you must follow the
     directions exactly, make sure there are no spelling or
     grammatical errors, have someone else read your paper
     to give you suggestions, make sure your paper is neat,
     and always turn your paper in on time!
       Use Test-Taking Strategies
1.   Get a Good Start
     *Have everything you need for the test: (pencil,
     erasable pen, calculator, etc.) If you have a couple of
     minutes before the test, try to relax.

2.   Develop a Plan
     *Before you begin answering questions, quickly look
     over the entire test and develop a plan.

3.    Mark Questions that you Want to Return to
     *Put a dot or light check mark by any answer you’re not
      sure of. After you go through all questions, return to the
      ones you marked and try again. **Don’t panic if you
      don’t know the answers to the first few questions.
      Sometimes it takes a few minutes for your brain to get
      into gear.
                      Test Taking
4.    Multiple Choice
     *Try to come up with the answer in your head before
      you look at the choices. If you are not sure of the
      answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by
      crossing them out, and then make an educated guess

5.   True/False
     *Statements with always, never, all, and none in them
     are usually FALSE. Statements with usually, often,
     sometimes, most, and many in them are usually TRUE.
     Read questions carefully; one word will often determine
     whether a statement is True or False.
                      Test Taking
6.   Essay Questions
    Start with the easiest one.
    Before any writing, brainstorm.
    Jot down key words, ideas, and point you want to cover.
    Write legibly and in complete sentences.
    Make sure your sentences are clear and concise.
    opening paragraph, state the questions and what the reader can
     expect to learn from your essay
    Middle paragraphs, present examples, details, evidence, and
     facts to support the points you are making.
    Final paragraph, restate your position along with a quick summary
    Reread your answer and make corrections.
                             Test Taking
7.      Math Tests
      *Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer
        will be. Don’t spend too much time on one problem. Move on an
        come back to it later. Show ALL of your work.

8.     Open Book Tests
      *The key is to be able to locate the information quickly. Highlight your
       notes and put self-stick notes or bookmarks in your textbook. You
       can rewrite information you know you’ll need on a separate sheet of
       paper.

9.     Check Answers
      *If you have time, check all answers, even the ones you know are
       correct. You may have read the question wrong or made a careless
       mistake. Always use all the time that you are given!

10.     Go Over All Returned Tests
       *Go over each question you missed and write in the correct answer.
        Check to make sure you test was graded correctly. File all returned
        tests in your folders.
             Reduce Test Anxiety
1.   Some Anxiety is Good
     *A little anxiety before a test improves your concentration
     and alertness. Excessive worry, or test anxiety will lower
     your test scores.

2.   Study Early
     *Review material ahead of time.

3.   Confidence
     *Walk into the test with your head up and you shoulders
     back. If you act confident, you will feel more confident

4.   Positive Thinking
     *The more you practice this the better you will be.

5.   Relaxation Techniques
     *Take deep breaths and think of a place where you feel very
     relaxed and calm.
     Get Help When You Need It
1.   Talk to Your Teacher
     *Let your teacher know if you are having difficulty. Make
     arrangements to stay after school or to come into school
     early.

2.   Get a Tutor
     * Make arrangements to get a student tutor. Outside
     tutors are also available for a fee. Check with your
     Guidance Counselor to see if he or she has a list of tutors.

**NHS Tutors – Monday through Thursday (Media Center)
     Walk-in or make an appointment with your Counselor.

**CMAC – Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)

**Writing Lab - Monday through Thursday (Walk-in)
Guidance Counselors
 A-Com    Mr. Grosshandler

 Con-He   Mr. Cernansky

 HI-L     Ms. Rockoff

 M-Pa     Ms. Messinger

 Pe-Si    Mr. Longo

 Sk-Z     Ms. Petersen