7 WAYS TO COMMIT TO SUCCESS AND FINISH THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG

As we approach the end of the school year, it’s not too late to finish strong! High school seniors aren’t the only ones experiencing the end-of-the-school-year blues or burnout. Excitement, relief, nostalgia - it’s all part of the journey as families brace for the break AND the next chapter of a student’s academic career. If your student is struggling, there are things you can do to get them back in the game. 

Here are seven things you can do to help your student commit to success BEFORE summer. 

1. Log on to PowerSchool to empower yourself (and your student). 

     Check grades and assignments. 

• Are there missing homework assignments your student can still turn in? 

• Are there opportunities for extra credit if grades need a boost? 

2.  Check your student’s stock of school supplies. 

• Sometimes a colorful new pen or a new box of colored pencils can help students’ spirits soar. 

3.  Stick to your routine. 

• The time change and warmer weather can bump bedtime and leave teens tired and struggling to stay alert in school the next day.  Following a consistent sleep schedule helps train the brain to naturally feel tired at bedtime – setting the stage for success in school. Set an alarm to remind them to turn off the screens and turn in. 

4.  Cut back on commitments. 

• If there is too much going on--and especially if a student’s grades are slipping or they have a lot of late work to do--perhaps the most important strategy is empowering your student to say “no.” That might mean having them step back from non-academic commitments to focus on academics for a few weeks, or not participating in other clubs or groups as frequently while getting the academic situation under control. 

5.  Sign up for summer school. 

• If it’s mandatory for your student, make sure you know when the session starts so you aren’t scrambling for a plan at the last minute. Did you know there are courses students can take to keep busy and stay connected with friends – just for fun or to get a head start on next year? 

6.  Stay positive and celebrate your wins! 

• Even if your family is feeling a bit of burnout, celebrate the successes of the year! Offer specific praise for effort and accomplishments, focusing on the process rather than just the outcome. 

7.  Remember – attendance matters. 

• Regular attendance and punctuality are key factors in student success, both academically and socially. 

Students: be your own best advocate. End the year strong. Your future self will thank you. 

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Sources: 

www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/learning-toolkit-blog/4-ways-to-help-your-student-finish-school-year-strong.html 

www.msj.edu/news/2024/03/strategies-to-stay-motivated-end-of-semester