Failing the semester

January 13, 2012

Nishita Battula

If I was a teacher, I don’t think I would be able to give a student an F for their semester grade. I would definitely give the students who are failing plenty of warnings that their grade is in danger. Even though it should be the student’s responsibility to check their grades, I would also alert them about their progress. If the student still continues to choose not to change their study habits and behavior, then they deserve to fail.

So do teachers feel bad when they have to give a student an F for the semester? Mr. Chow, a biology teacher, says, “I don’t give them the F, they earn the F.” This is a very true statement and cannot be argued against. But I feel like any human being will feel bad after submitting an F as a semester grade for a student. This might especially happen if the student actually puts effort and tries to learn. Some of us are just bad at taking tests because of the pressure to pass. Also, some students have expectations from their parents to do well and to not fail. This adds extra tension for students, especially when they are taking important tests like finals.

Mr. Webb, an English teacher, feels the same as Mr. Chow, “I put the assignments in the grade book. They are what they are as a result.” Since grades won’t magically change, it is our responsibility as students to complete the assigned work on time and prepare in advance for tests and quizzes.

An opportunity to de-stress

January 13, 2011

Osika Tripathi

The week before the finals, which is a four day week , ASB is putting on “Relaxation Week”.  Each day of the week, one of Washington’s four classes is going to be hosting a noon-time activity to help students relax and not stress too much about their upcoming exams.  This event is going to be held at amphitheatre at lunch time, so be sure to drop in!

Senior class officers are hosting on Tuesday, Juniors on Wednesday, Sophomores on Thursday, and Rally commissioners are hosting on Friday.

Student and Staff appreciation, which is a new commission in leadership also liked the concept of “relaxation week” and have decided to take part in it. But, instead of focusing their attention on the students, they have set their sights on making the teachers at Washington feel appreciated. They will be giving out gifts to all the teachers, in recognition of their hard work this past semester and to give thanks for all they have done.

Food for thought

January 27, 2010

Jenae Lee

Monster, Monster, Monster. Chips, chips, chips and ice cream. Sound familiar?

Studying for finals can be stressful, leading students to consume unhealthy food to stay awake while studying. The thing is, they don’t need to and shouldn’t eat these things while getting ready for the big tests.

According to Purdue University Student Health Center, students should eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugar and energy levels steady. Preparing convenient meals will help guard against constant snacking. Stock up on foods such as bean soups, peanut butter, cold cut sandwiches, ready-to-eat tuna and chicken salads.

Try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, but satisfy a sweet tooth with a high-protein bar instead of a sugary candy bar.

Since studying cuts into time for exercise, eat meals that have more protein than carbohydrates. Instead of crackers and juice, go for cheese, crackers and skim milk. Add some grilled chicken strips to pasta. Or just have some scrambled eggs.

Drink lots of water! People should consume water at least every two hours to stay hydrated. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so have a glass of water or a cup of tea before reaching for another snack.

For snacks, search the pantry for nuts, raisins, cheese sticks, low-fat yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, fresh fruits and veggies, low-fat popcorn, low-sugar breakfast cereals and oatmeal.

Remember, eating isn’t the only break to take while studying for finals. Students also need exercise to keep the blood circulating to their brains.

Lastly, avoid watching excessive amounts of television. It is a mindless distraction that will only send one to the pantry for unneeded calories.

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