Freshmen Monthly News
MD Guidance & Counseling - November 2017
9th Grade Monarchs
Keep it up as we are getting through the second half of first semester!
As a reminder, regularly check your Blackboard and Aeries Portal so you are aware of your progress. If you are struggling in your classes, be sure to visit your teachers during Office Hour. You can also get extra help from our free tutor program at Mater Dei, AAP. You can come by the counseling center for the schedule.
Your first semester grades are used to determine Sophomore year classes, and second semester grades are used to confirm placement in those classes. It is important that you study each night and turn in all your homework on time! Since finals will be coming up next month, try out the Skills for Academic Success Quiz included in this newsletter.
Coming up at the end of this month is your first Service Hours Due Date, November 27th, 2017.
Your counselors are available to help and support you. Stop by any time before school, at lunch, during Office Hour or after school, should you have a question or concern, or if you just want to introduce yourself and say hi.
Have a wonderful month and Thanksgiving!
Service Hours Due
Your first 10 community service hours are due on Monday November 27th. Don't wait till the last minute!
Visit the Christian Service Program web page for more information. Be sure to turn in your completed & signed hours verification forms. Tip: If it is difficult for you to keep track of your papers, submit hours as you complete them. That way forms are not lost at the bottom of your backpack. It is also a great idea to keep a copy of all your hours in a file for yourself.
If you have any questions, talk to Mrs. Hopkins, our director of Christian Service, in Campus Ministry.
Skills for Academic Success Quiz
Ask yourself the following questions to see which academic success skills you can build.
- Do I communicate with my teachers about what I need or don’t understand?
- What do I do when I have a question? Whom do I ask?
- How do I utilize Office Hours?
- How often do I check Aeries/my grades?
- How do I organize my assignment due dates and upcoming test dates?
- How do I prioritize and manage my time? What are my goals?
- How do I take notes in class or when reading?
- Do I use more than one method of studying? For example, I review my notes, make flash cards, complete a study guide, and quiz myself or ask a friend/parent to test me.
- What does my homework environment look like? Is it organized, quiet, and free from distractions?
- Do I take breaks from homework as needed?
- Am I getting good sleep, eating healthy, and staying hydrated?
- Do I check before going to bed that I have everything I need for the next school day turned in or prepared in my backpack?
Get Involved
High school is a great time to explore your interests, discover your talents, build your skills, and learn to lead! Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate involvement & leadership.
Join clubs or an athletic program, or participate in one of MD's volunteer opportunities. Click here for all our clubs. We have Social, Humanitarian/Awareness, Educational, Sports, and Honors Clubs as well as Academic Teams.
Excel in Classes
* Regularly check Blackboard and Aeries
* Build a habit of turning things in on time and complete, check your grades to see your progress
* Visit your teachers during Office Hour--Ask a question if there is anything you need! (Our teachers are awesome but they still haven't mastered reading your minds...)
* Try the Academic Assistance Program (AAP), free after school tutoring
Serve the Community
As a reminder, your first 10 hours of Christian Service must be completed and turned in to Mrs. Hopkins, in the Campus Ministry office, by Monday November 27, 2017. Here is a link to our Christian Service Program webpage, which includes FAQs and upcoming opportunities.
If you love to serve, Mater Dei honors students who complete 400+ hours by their senior year with a Christian Service Program Cord.