Christmas is just around the corner, but first students have to take a stop in Finalsville. Finals aren’t just a way for teachers to torture students. Mrs. Schlafer commented on this by saying, “I think finals are taken to check the comprehension of the students and their ability to retain the knowledge.” Final exams are tests teachers give their students to wrap up the semester’s curriculum before the long-awaited winter break. Let’s get into what students and teachers have to endure during finals week.
Test days are a little different than an average school day. Each class period is roughly an hour long. For most teachers, as soon as the bell rings, the tests are handed out so the students can take up as much of the time given to take the exam. To keep things more consistent amongst the school, a decision about who takes finals was made.
In years past, each teacher set his/her own exemption requirements, but this year, the requirements were made more consistent across the school. Mrs. Schlafer commented on the change and said, “We feel like it’s easier for kids to keep track of the guidelines because if every class is different, it becomes difficult for kids to remember.” This year, it was decided to set the minimum requirements at a 95% in the class, no more than two absences, no 8th hours in that class, and no unexcused absences. Teachers also have the opportunity to raise the requirements and push their students to try even harder during the semester.
What do students do to prepare themselves for a test that will be 10% of their semester grade? Brady Kruse said, “I work hard to get exempt from as many as I can, but when I do have to take one, I really try on the review packets and study the night before.” Most teachers hand out a review guide to sum up the material learned, which is helpful for students who would like to get ready for the final. Julianna Parsons agrees with Brady, stating, “I don't really prepare for finals like other students probably do since I don't take that many, but the ones I do have to take, I usually make sure to review concepts that the teacher strongly encourages us to review. Most teachers also hand out a final review packet, which I love; I basically just use those to study for finals.” It takes more than just studying, according to Jon Stone, who says, “Eating a good breakfast and getting a good night sleep” benefits him on the test day.
After FINALly EXAMining the jist of the exams, the finishing thought on the exams is to the students of New Haven High School, finals week is not a time to stress out. Just know the material on the test, and you will succeed. Remember, after finals is winter break where you can relax and not worry about school.
-by Paige Adams
In years past, each teacher set his/her own exemption requirements, but this year, the requirements were made more consistent across the school. Mrs. Schlafer commented on the change and said, “We feel like it’s easier for kids to keep track of the guidelines because if every class is different, it becomes difficult for kids to remember.” This year, it was decided to set the minimum requirements at a 95% in the class, no more than two absences, no 8th hours in that class, and no unexcused absences. Teachers also have the opportunity to raise the requirements and push their students to try even harder during the semester.
What do students do to prepare themselves for a test that will be 10% of their semester grade? Brady Kruse said, “I work hard to get exempt from as many as I can, but when I do have to take one, I really try on the review packets and study the night before.” Most teachers hand out a review guide to sum up the material learned, which is helpful for students who would like to get ready for the final. Julianna Parsons agrees with Brady, stating, “I don't really prepare for finals like other students probably do since I don't take that many, but the ones I do have to take, I usually make sure to review concepts that the teacher strongly encourages us to review. Most teachers also hand out a final review packet, which I love; I basically just use those to study for finals.” It takes more than just studying, according to Jon Stone, who says, “Eating a good breakfast and getting a good night sleep” benefits him on the test day.
After FINALly EXAMining the jist of the exams, the finishing thought on the exams is to the students of New Haven High School, finals week is not a time to stress out. Just know the material on the test, and you will succeed. Remember, after finals is winter break where you can relax and not worry about school.
-by Paige Adams
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