Enjoy Break!

You survived exams!  You are half way through the year!  You have made it to winter break!  So many reasons to celebrate!  Congratulations and enjoy your time off.  Be safe and try to savor the moments with your family and friends.

Out Sick

This is not good timing, but I wanted to give you all a heads up that I am out sick.  I tested positive for COVID which means I will not be back until January.  As a result, I need to ask that if you are needing me to help change your schedule for next semester or to assist you with your college applications, you will need to email me.  If you are needing support for mental health, the other school counselors are there and are ready to help you in my absence.

I know this is bad timing and obviously not what I wanted.  I will miss seeing you this week.  Lexi is going to miss seeing you too!  Good luck on exams and have a wonderful and relaxing break!

College Acceptances

College admissions decisions are already starting to come in for some students. Every senior looks forward to receiving their college acceptance letters. It is an exciting time and reassures that there is more ahead. Depending upon the schools where you are applying, it is possible that you will hear back quickly or you may be waiting until sometime in March to find out if you have been accepted. 

I do ask that as you begin receiving your acceptance or, sadly, even rejection letters, to please keep me informed about the decisions. For the vast majority of the colleges, the only way I know about your admissions decision is if you share the information with me.

Also, remember, the only way to receive an acceptance letter is to actually APPLY to the college! (Just a friendly little reminder for those of you who are still struggling to get your applications finished.)

Holiday Stress

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Except that for many people, it is not really the most wonderful time of year and can, in fact, be one of the most challenging times of the year.  The holiday season often presents a challenging combination of high expectations, family drama, and school pressure with semester exams - all of which can result in unbelievably high levels of stress.  This is even more prevalent if you and your family are struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.

My top recommendation for everyone is to try to keep a sense of perspective on what is reality.  It becomes very easy to get caught in the mindset that the holiday is supposed to be this picture-perfect celebration.  Yet, that is seldom the reality.  When watching TV it is nearly impossible to escape seeing commercials and holiday movies that depict images of snow gently falling, families coming together with smiles and excitement, food overflowing on the tables, loved ones unwrapping the perfect gifts, sleigh rides through parks decorated with holiday lights, and communities gathered together singing carols.  I enjoy the sentiments that the movies are trying to depict, but if we begin thinking that this is what life is really like then we are bound to be disappointed.  For example, in my family we have wonderful holidays, but we have never gone on sleigh rides or participated in community caroling and, if I am being completely honest, the wonderful moments are also mixed with stressful times of trying to get everything ready or missing those who are unable to be there for the holiday.  If I were to compare my real holidays with that perfect image seen on TV I would inevitably be disappointed.

So, what can you do to help with the holidays?

Don't expect the holidays to be perfect. They NEVER are.

Focus on what you have, not what you don't. Ignore the commercials where the husband surprises his wife with a brand new luxury car or a diamond ring. This only leaves you wondering, "What about me?" Remind yourself that it's not the stuff that makes the holidays important.

The holidays can bring back memories of loved ones that have passed away. Give yourself permission to grieve, and deal with the loss in your own way. If you want to cry, go ahead. If you want to remember your loved one in a special way, do it - light a candle, put together a scrapbook, decorate the grave stone with flowers, or whatever else you find comforting.

Feel whatever you are feeling.  Sometimes people talk about “holiday blues” or feeling depressed by the holiday stress and others might feel excited, generous or disappointed.  Try not to over-analyze how you are feeling and just experience it – acknowledge it and try to live in the moment no matter the feeling.

If you are struggling with high stress levels heading into the holidays, please make time to stop and see me so that we can talk more about it!

Studying and Cocoa and Cram

Do you know how to study? I ask students that question a lot and, quite honestly, the most common response is "no." It really isn't a surprise though. The reality is that until high school gets hard enough that you hit the wall and it no longer comes easy to you, studying isn't something you typically have to worry about and spend a lot of time focusing on.

The challenging part of studying is that what works best for one person may not be what works best for someone else. And, even if you figure out what works best for you in one particular subject area, that still doesn't mean that this particular strategy will be most effective for a different subject.

The best news is that there are lots of different ideas and strategies that you can use to develop a study strategy that works best for you! For what it is worth, think of learning to study like you think of learning to run. You already know some skills that have helped you to know how to study and to be successful - just like you already know how to run, but if you practice and really train at running, you can improve significantly and studying will work just the same. Keep working at your study strategies, practice and continue refining your technique until you find the perfect combination that works for you.

Over the next 2 days students are invited to participate in "Cram and Cocoa" sessions during your lunch periods.  This study strategy session is being provided by the Link Leaders and will be a great opportunity for students to get started on effectively preparing for exams. This will take place in the Wolves Den area off the commons.  I hope you will take advantage of their willingness to help you prepare!

You (now) have just 3 school days of classes left before exams to not only learn and master everything you are currently covering in class, but also to go back and study to refresh the material you have covered since August when we returned to school.  

If you are struggling to find strategies to try out, I encourage you to visit the WKHS Counselor website as there are lots of examples listed.  You can also work with the Academic Assistant's in the Teaching and Learning Center (Room 209) as they have a wealth of knowledge and helpful tips for study strategies that can help you in their particular subject areas as well as studying overall.  And, last, but not least, you can also stop in and see me and I can help brainstorm proven ideas that you could try.

Happy Studying!

Building Career Skills

Some days it is hard to imagine how you will end up in the adult job(s) that you will have in our world.  In part, this is challenging because some of those jobs may not exist yet and, in part, it can be hard to just navigate high school let alone start thinking about the rest of your life.

Did you know that the latest statistics are indicating that most students today will end up having 12-15 jobs over their lifetime?  That is a lot of different opportunities.  And it is hard to imagine what those jobs might look like while you are in high school.  In fact, most adults you meet are not working in the career field that they thought they would be in for the rest of their lives when they were in high school.  So, when you are thinking about what you'd like to do in the future, it isn't setting anything into stone.  It is a place to start exploring.  But, every day you are developing practical skills that will be essential to your future success no matter what jobs you pursue.

These skills include (among others): dependability, teamwork, reliability, communication, adaptability, and critical thinking.  Every single day at school, you are given opportunities to build on these areas to work towards making them a strength in your life.  Dependability might be shown through your homework completion.  Teamwork can be developed through your involvement with sports or clubs or even group projects in class.  Reliability is showing up when you make an appointment to meet with a teacher for extra help.  Building your communication skills comes with the reading and writing you are doing in your classes, but it also is reflected in how you interact with your friends and teachers both in person as well as through emails or other messages.  How we respond when there are changes is a reflection of our ability to be adaptable.  And, of course, critical thinking is something you are building in all of your classes as you try to figure out the new concepts you are learning and applying that information into your own life and figuring out the connections between concepts.

Soft skills (like those shown in the graphic) are actually your Power Skills - these skills are essential to your future success and will help you no matter what career you pursue in the future.  So today and every day as you navigate high school, remember that you are building those skills you need for your future careers.

2nd Semester Schedule Changes

I wanted to point out that it is almost the end of the 1st semester/ start of the 2nd semester which means that you will be switching any semester long classes once we reach the new year.  The reason this is important is that while you have had your schedules since August, you might not have been thinking much about your 2nd semester classes and if you are wanting to make any changes to them for next semester... but now is the time to make those adjustments if needed.

When would it be appropriate to make a 2nd semester class change?

1. If you are in a year long elective and are not enjoying it and/ or not doing well in it.  For example, if you are in Spanish 2 and failing the class, I'd suggest you consider making a change to a different elective for the 2nd semester rather than remaining in a class and potentially failing for the year since that class is such a building block course.

2. If you are in an advanced course (like Honors or AP) of something and you are not doing well in the class, the semester is a good time to change levels and move to a regular course.  For example, if you are in Honors Biology and earning a D or an F, it might be appropriate to change to Regular Biology for the 2nd semester where you could hopefully earn a higher grade for the 2nd semester.

3. If you don't have an academic prep or options period in your day and know that you will need it to be successful in your classes.  If you aren't likely to get work done at home, be smart and give yourself time in the school day to be able to focus on work completion.  It is also particularly helpful to have a time in the day if you tend to miss a few days of school in a typical quarter because it gives you time to work with teachers and academic assistants to get caught up on your coursework.

4. Your interests have changed in your elective choices and you would like to take something different.  If you have realized that you're really interested in business for the future, it might be smart to try to change your schedule and drop something in order to add another business class to your day.

5. You failed a semester class required for graduation and need to add it back into your schedule.  For example, if you failed Government in the first semester, you can avoid having to take summer school by adding Government back into your schedule for the 2nd semester and dropping some other elective class.

When should you NOT make 2nd semester class changes?

1. Seniors in particular need to be wary of making course changes - especially if you are switching classes that will make your schedule appear easier and less rigorous to colleges.  In fact, if you are making a schedule change, I would STRONGLY recommend that you contact the college admissions offices where you applied and let them know you are looking to make a schedule change, what that will be, and verify that it will not negatively impact your admissions decision.

2. If you are doing well in your classes, you don't want to just cut back because you want an easier path.  So, with the example above about changing levels from an Honors or AP class to a regular class if you're not doing well in the course... if you are doing well in the class then you should stay in that rigorous class even if you don't love it.

Other reminders:

Schedule changes can only be made within the confines of the master schedule.  There are a lot of classes that are full and we cannot overload them.  We also do not make any teacher changes so I won't be able to adjust your classes in order to facilitate a switch in teachers.

If you want to make any changes to your schedule for next semester, please come and see me this week or next week during exams rather than waiting until January!  We want to make sure we have you set up to be successful in the new year now, so please don't procrastinate on making these adjustments.

Tomorrow's Schedule

The holiday spirit has definitely been alive and well at Kilbourne lately.  Hearing about the contributions and watching students in the gym wrapping presents and seeing the impact of your generosity was incredible!  To build on that enthusiasm, tomorrow will be the annual holiday assembly.  Because of exams, you will still have another week and a half of school left, but it will be a great way to celebrate the end of the first semester.  

Below is the bell schedule for your reference as it is definitely different than normal.

Here is the breakdown for the day:

Period 1 - 8:40 - 9:19
Period 2 - 9:24 - 10:55 (Students will be divided to spend 1/2 the time in class and 1/2 in the assembly)
Period 3 - 11:01 - 11:40 
Period 4 - 11:45 - 12:24
Period 5 - 12:29 - 1:08
Period 6 - 1:13 - 1:52
Period 7 - 1:57 - 2:36
Period 8 - 2:41 - 3:20

I am looking forward to seeing all of my students who are participating as a part of the assembly tomorrow.  I also want to send out a huge good luck to all of the Band, Orchestra, and Choir students who will be performing tonight and tomorrow in the Home for the Holidays concert.

And then last, but certainly not least, I'd like to wish a Happy Hannukah to all of my students and families who are celebrating beginning tonight.

Planning Ahead

I have been talking a lot lately about End of Course tests and Semester exams both of which are taking place this month, but those aren't the only tests which students should be keeping in mind.  Juniors, as you know, you will be taking the ACT for free in March.  I realize that right now that seems far away, but when we return from winter break you will have just 10 weeks until the test.  That will fly by.  

Why does that matter?  This is a great time for you to start planning ahead for your test prep needs and developing a plan for what you will do to make sure you are prepared for the ACT.  Hopefully you have logged in and looked at your PSAT scores online and/ or reviewed your Pre-ACT test results that you picked up from the Counseling Center (if you haven't picked up your results, please see a secretary in the counseling center this week to get them).  Those two practice tests are great ways to get a feel for what you understood well and where you might need to focus some additional time and energy.

Remember, there are plenty of free resources available to you!  For example, your PSAT scores come with a direct link to Khan Academy to create a tailor made practice plan.  Additionally, some students will elect to work with a tutor or take a test-prep course.  If that is part of your plan, you will want to start investigating options to get that set up so that you aren't trying to cram all of your studying into the last few weeks ahead of the test.

It's nice to be thinking about something that is farther away and that you have more control over timing and your own personal prep plan.  Just don't forget to actually set up goals and a plan for how you will review to make the most of the free test opportunity.

Semester Exam Schedule

I wanted to give all students and parents a summary of the semester exam schedule with some additional frequently asked questions...

Day One - Monday, December 18th:

8:40 - 10:35: 1st period exam
10:45 - 12:40: 4th period exam
12:40 - 1:20: Lunch
1:25 - 3:20: 7th period exam

Day Two - Tuesday, December 19th:
8:40 - 10:35: 2nd period exam
10:45 - 12:40: 5th period exam
12:40 - 1:20: Lunch
1:25 - 3:20: 8th period exam

Day Three - Wednesday, December 20th:
8:40 - 10:35: 3rd period exam

10:45 - 12:40: 6th period exam

12:40 - 120: NO Lunch Provided! (bag lunches will be available for pick up between 3rd and 6th period exams)

1:25 - 3:20: Make-Up Exams

A couple of questions that tend to come up at exam time...

Yes, you are REQUIRED and EXPECTED to be in all of your classes during an exam. (Even if you don't have an actual exam, the teachers are going to be working with you on projects, papers, or other learning related to their course.)

No, you do NOT need to be in school during your scheduled lunch period or during your Options or Prep periods. (Which means, for example, that if you have 3rd period prep and 6th period lunch that you do not have to come to school at all on the 20th.)

Yes, there will be two bus runs on Wednesday - so you can leave after your 6th period exam, but if you need to stay for a make-up exam period then there will be another bus run to take you home then too.

Hope that helps clarify and I hope your studying efforts are going well.

Simpson Strong Tie

One area that Worthington Schools has been working to build is our partnerships with central Ohio companies who are interested in having students work as interns during their senior year in preparation for potential employment after graduation.  I have previously blogged about Worthington Industries which has been our biggest partner to date.  But I wanted to share information with you about Simpson Strong Tie which is a new partner that will be taking on senior interns next semester.

Simpson Strong Tie is located just off 270 at Roberts Road on the west side of Columbus.  They have a strong culture with many employees working their for their entire careers because they care about the mission and vision within the organization.  As you can see in the photo, what Simpson Strong Tie creates are the metal pieces which create a stronger tie between other items such as two pieces of wood.  Their products are sold at companies like Lowe's and Home Depot as well as directly to construction companies.

Last week I had the opportunity to tour their site, learn about the organization and the opportunities available to a select number of senior students.  I am confident this is going to be a great experience for students who are interested in a manufacturing type of job.  If you think this sounds appealing, we will be hosting a field trip for students next week on December 13th so that you can see the facilities and learn about the organization first hand.  If you are interested, please stop and see me to pick up a permission slip so that you can attend.

Students of the Month

On Friday morning before school a ceremony was held to honor December's Students of the Month! Students can only earn this recognition once during their high school career.  

A special congratulations to "my" students who were honored as Students of the Month!  They included (L to R): Ivan Chivington, Morgan Boone, Mikaela Bevelander, EJ Adams, Itzel Alarcon and not pictured Joel Blake.

I am proud of you! Thank you for representing the best of Worthington Kilbourne High School.

Winter End of Course Tests

Let's talk about End of Course tests for a moment.  And no, I am not talking about your semester exams that count for grades in your actual classes.  The End of Course tests are those assessments required by the state of Ohio that all students must complete.  The tests are also how you will earn the various components that you need to graduate.

The next 2 weeks are the winter testing window for the End of Course tests.  You will be taking these tests if you are currently in Government, if you took a tested class during the summer, if you took a tested class last school year but due to illness or other reasons you weren't able to complete the tests when the state testing window was open, if you need to try to improve your scores, or if you moved in from out of state and need to take the assessments.

All students are strongly encouraged to check your school email to look for information about End of Course tests.  If you need to complete a test then you will have received an email giving you information about what date you will complete your test and which room to go to for testing.

I know that it is really hard to miss class time for the testing (especially when you only have 10 days of classes left in the semester), but remember that because these tests play a role in you earing the graduation requirements you want to try to do your best on the tests when taking them.