Well, folks, it’s that time of the school year again.  As the first marking period draws to a close, there’s no better time to reflect on how the year’s been treating students so far.  The first marking period always starts padded–students get to know their activities, workloads are reduced, and lenient grading is to be expected as teachers let everyone get back into the swing of things.  Freshmen are getting used to the heightened pace of high school, and the lethargy of the summer is wearing off in just about everyone. For example, freshman Lizzie Hussa (‘29) said, “having a larger workload has helped me with time management.”  Lizzie highlights this idea that high school is often a jump scare as well as just how much the first marking period can come as a shock to students as they attempt to adjust their lives to being in high school.

     As Wissahickon approaches the second quarter, the guardrails are coming off, and many students, especially freshmen, are realizing their studying habits just aren’t cutting it.  Less than adequate grades are crushing dreams of an easy, coasting school year, and they must learn to reapply themselves–many of whom need to try harder than they ever have before.  Freshman year is a time of realization for many students who have to work for an A for the first time ever.  This can strike the senses like a splash of cold water to the face first thing in the morning.  Many students find that after their first marking period, they can double down on study habits and pick things up as the year goes on.

     It is important to recognize that the first marking period is still just the beginning of the school year.  Even if students are feeling like their grades aren’t looking as good as they had hoped, it’s not the end of the world.  Remember, there are still three quarters to get back on track.  Good luck out there!