So. Progress reports just came out. Maybe your grades weren’t what you hoped they’d be. Or you might already be acing every assignment that comes your way. Either way, here are some tips on how to improve your academics and overall well-being at school.

The very first thing you should do to start improving on your academic performance is to remember to check Blackboard every day for homework and assignments from teachers. You can use your NDP planner and a large calendar to keep track of due dates for assignments and test dates. Checking NetClass every so often is also beneficial. If you notice an unsatisfactory grade, you know to spend more time reviewing in that subject. When you are at home, you can try to clear out an area that is quiet and relatively clutter free to do your studying and homework. Try and resist the urge to grab your phone to check the latest Snapchats or click onto YouTube to watch just one video. After school activities, including service, clubs, athletics, and other organizations are a great way to meet new people who you have things in common with. You might even gain a new study buddy! And no matter what, if ever have any questions about anything, you can always go and talk with the counselors.

Along with those on academics, there are some good general tips for social and emotional health as well.  Finding a balance between school work, extracurricular activities, and family and social commitments that match your goals and personality is one thing to get rid of some stress and anxiety.  If you are currently involved in something you feel is only adding stress to your life, trying to drop that particular activity might help decrease your stress level or offer an opportunity for something you find more interesting.  Another tip is to find and use a variety of healthy coping skills to manage your stress.  If you are the kind of person that needs every event planned out at a specific time, having a calendar or some sort of organizing tool might be useful.  Along with this, try to find time every day to do something that makes you happy.  Whether that is taking a 10 minute break to sit and meditate or reading a chapter from a book you love, doing something that brings you joy can elevate your mood and improve your day.  This might even be helping someone else, which is another thing to do that can add joy to your daily life.  Finally, if you feel as if your stress and anxiety are becoming too overwhelming or even if you just need some support, talking to a trusted adult is definitely a good idea.  Here at NDP we have our lovely guidance counselors whose job is to help you anytime you need it.  We also have amazing teachers and other faculty who would not hesitate to help you if you asked them.

A very special thank you to Mrs. Gallant and Mrs. Alderman who provided the advice given in this article.  We hope that these tips can help you stay happy and healthy throughout the school year.