The first semester of the 2023-2024 school year is coming to an end, and the high school students at Fair Grove are currently preparing for their end of semester finals.
To prepare high schoolers for finals the school held an after school “pizza and planning” event on Wednesday, December 13th from 4 to 7pm. Students who attended this event were able to prepare for their finals by “Allowing students extra time to study for finals in small groups with their teachers,” reported Mrs. Feldman (teacher), who gives out finals in her own class and prepares students to the best of her ability.
Addison Zittle (12) is a high school student who has attended the pizza and planning event throughout all of her high school years said in her own opinion, “… I find it helpful to get that extra time with teachers to go over any questions or uncertainties that I might have regarding the finals.” Zittle went on to say that this event was a good way to study with fellow classmates and friends who possibly take the same classes.
When asked what is most important for students to do when preparing for finals Mrs. Feldman stated that students should, “… take advantage of any time you can spend with your teacher asking questions on things you need help understanding.” Mrs. Feldman also heavily advised students to do their reviews and be in communication with their teachers.
Stephanie Dunham (12) a student who will be graduating this spring advised, “ ..to not procrastinate studying.” Dunham also added that studying a week before finals for at least 30 minutes a day would be very beneficial long term and that opt out cards will be beneficial as well.
Baily Carll (12) mentioned one thing that helps her prepare for finals when in school is that, “ I just pay attention. Even in difficult classes like College Algebra, just being present in class and getting work done can give you a surprising level of understanding.” Carll also mentioned another thing that helps her prepare,“… If it’s something that’s harder to remember, like formulas, songs are very helpful.”
For finals students can receive both a core opt-out card as well as a non-core opt out card. Students with 99% attendance for the first semester, a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no days of ISS (in school suspension) will earn the opportunity to opt-out of one core final and one non-core final. Students must also be involved in at least one extracurricular activity. The non-core opt out has a separate attendance rule, stating that only a 95% attendance is required.
The finals are scheduled the last week before Christmas break, on December 18th and 19th.
