Hackensack High School
Jim Montesano
Assistant Principal for Student Achievement
Hackensack High School
The school bell, household chores, practice, jobs. When you are a high school student, there never seems like there is enough time in the day to get everything done. Do you feel like you are always late or rushing to meet deadlines and appointments? As the new school year begins, you are leaving behind the lazy days of summer and jumping right into the comprehensive curriculum. Here are some tips for taking control of your time.
Start simply. Use your school issued planner to fill in upcoming events. Schedule everything: chores, favorite TV show, social activities, etc. This will help you to see how much time is used for day-to-day activities and how much time is left for homework and studying.
It’s easy to forget the little things. Create a priority list by putting things that are most important at the top and complete them first. You can track your list by using your school planner or even an index card in your pocket. If the day’s list is too long, its time to regroup, breakdown, and move some tasks to tomorrow or further in the week. This is time-management.
If you have a large assignment due in two weeks, break it into smaller parts and work on it throughout the week. Make your goal to have it due one day before the actual due date. After you complete your list reward yourself with a PSP game or some time on the Internet.
Find ways to complete your list during the day. Study hall could actually be used for studying and homework!! Devote some time before practice to complete homework. Get some reading finished on the way home from school.
Some students work better at night, while others work best right after school. Find a quite place to work (room, dining room table, library) that is free from distractions (including your cell phone). Study at the same time everyday. Even if you don’t have homework, use the time to review your notes.
Let your friends know that you do your homework from 6:30 to 8:30 and you will not answer their calls. The fewer distractions will help you to complete your list in a lot less time
VI. Don’t waste time procrastinating.
Just do it. Instead of wasting an hour worrying about something you are supposed to be doing, buckle down and get to it. The worrying is never worth it.
Set realistic goals. While it’s admirable to set high goals for yourself, don’t overdo it. Make your goals difficult yet reachable.
Comet Pride!
Jim Montesano
Assistant Principal For Student Achievement