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Academic Assistance
Sometimes students are not performing to the best of their ability. The following tips and sites may help your students achieve at their highest level, either while still enrolled at South Kingstown High School or graduation.

Teachers & School Counselors:

Parents are encouraged to contact teachers if they feel their child is not completing assignments or is having difficulties. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their teachers after school if problems arise. Students are also encouraged to see their school counselor for tips and study strategies for academic success. Please call the school to leave a voice message for a teacher or school counselor. E-mail is another option to contact faculty, administration or counselors. Click on "voice mail" or "e-mail" for contact details.

The Homework Scene:

Homework can make your home a haven or battleground. Unfortunately, the more chaotic the homework scene, the more students are turned off by study. Parents can work to set the tone. It does take ongoing planning and perservance, but the rewards are worth your time and effort. The secret to success is to believe that homework is necessary to reinforce schoolwork and treat it accordingly. Making homework a commitment by both student and parents can help the student develop self-discipline, independence and life-long study skills. Here are some tips:

Reinforce the concept of doing homework in a study area.
*Choose a quiet, well lit, distraction free place to complete homework assignments.
*Have all tools nearby (for example, a basket with "tools" such as pens, pencils, calculator, scissors, tape, ruler, paper and a dictionary).
Choose a time when homework should be done.
*Choosing a mutually agreed upon time will avoid unnecessary arguments.
*Post the study schedule on the refrigerator!
Give your student credit for a job well done.
*If your student can organize his or her time wisely, complete all homework and pass it in on time, prepare for quizzes, tests and exams, and utilize the network of assistance available through Learning Centers, teachers and the web site, his or her efforts will be reflected on the report card and, more importantly, in how proud your student is of his or her accomplishments!

Planning for Mid-Term or Final Exams

Four Weeks Prior to Exams
*For each subject, gather into folders, piles or envelopes all class notes, hand-outs, returned homework and labs (if applicable), quizzes and tests
*Organize chronologically or by topic
*NOW read through each pile as if it was the first time you ever saw it. See if anything is missing, and fill in the gaps NOW. Borrow notes or ask your teacher for missing information this week. Ask yourself if there is anything you do not understand; if so, plan to meet with your teacher before or after school or during Learning Center.

Three Weeks Prior to Exams
*Continue to read through your notes, this time with a focus on understanding, not memorization.
*Ask your teachers about the type of exam they plan to give. Will it be essay, multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blanks, application of ideas or a combination of all? The way you study will depend on the kind of test they are planning for your class.

Two Weeks Prior to Exams
*Make a calendar of your final exams and post it in your study area.
*Schedule study time on a calendar so you know when you will study which subjects.
*Stay healthy!

One Week Prior to Exams
*Prioritize study time according to the subjects in which you have the most trouble.
*Work with a study partner only if you can both stick to studying.
*Imagine you are the teacher; write questions and outline answers.
*Make flashcards for factual recall.
*Expand, condense and clarify your notes with charts and other visuals.
*Remember this intense period of study will not last forever!

Exam Week
* Get enough rest to stay focused more easily.
*Take short breaks during your study schedule to refresh your mind and body.
*Give your best!

Links to Libraries

South Kingstown High School Library

URI Library

Providence Public Library (a CLAN card may be necesssary to access this entire site)

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