Freshman year is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming with new teachers, classes, and responsibilities. After middle school, high school can be more difficult, and there’s also more homework. That’s why the freshman study skills class is an important part of starting high school. It’s designed to help students adjust, stay organized, and learn things that they have never used or seen before. It will also help them throughout their four years of high school.
This is a class where students learn about new apps on their laptops and how to use them, including PowerPoint, Office 365, Canvas, and other essential applications. They know how to make projects, fix any mistakes, and how to break down big assignments into smaller steps. They are taught how to use calendars to track their tests or their next assignments, and how to study in a better environment with no distractions, so it will keep them focused. Students also discover how to balance schoolwork with sports, clubs, and personal time. They learn skills that become more important each and every year.
Mr. Kruszewski says, “I like teaching this class so freshmen can be better.”
Teachers in this class also encourage freshmen to build healthy habits. Habits like getting enough sleep, staying focused in class, and asking for help when they need it. By practicing these routines, students can gain confidence and reduce stress. Study skills also teach how to highlight key ideas, summarize chapters, and see the main points. This helps them understand it and not just memorize it.
Jacey Valdez says, “It helps me with how to navigate and properly do things.”
Most students find that the tips from this class don’t just help in one of their classes, but they also help in every class! This class will help them succeed in other subjects like English, Science, Math, and History. The main goal of the course is that by the end of the year, the freshman leaves feeling more confident, less stressed, and prepared. They learned not only how to handle assignments but also how to ask for help, set goals, and succeed for their next 4 years of high school.
