Academic Tips

Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when you are struggling in your classes

Step 1 - Talk to the teacher

I am struggling in a class. What do I do? Your teacher is the first point of contact.

1. Define specifically what you are struggling with (e.g., test scores, homework completion, understanding specific concepts).
2. Request a meeting with your teacher.
   1. Saxon Time Request
   2. Email the teacher
   3. Talk to your teacher after class
   4. Before/After School by Appointment
   5. Late Bus Wednesdays
      1. Students should make appointments with teachers to ensure they will be available after school on these days. Students must receive a bus pass in the cafeteria to ride the bus home.
3. Develop a plan with your teacher and figure out a time to follow up.

How do I find my teacher’s email address?

• In Schoology, you can message your teachers directly.
• There is also a contact page on Langley's website for each teacher.
• In StudentVue, if you click on the teacher's name, their email pops up.

Resources:

• How do I communicate with my teacher?
• What parents can find in Schoology

Step 2 - Tutoring

• Peer Tutoring
  • Talk to your teacher to get connected with a Peer Tutor for one-on-one sessions.
• Langley Learning Lab: Tutoring Available during Saxon Time!
  • Get drop-in peer tutoring from qualified members of the Math and Science Honor Society when you need additional support.
  • When & Where: Room 1332 during Tuesday Saxon Times (some Wednesdays).
  • How to Sign Up: Complete the request form by Friday at 11:59 PM.
  • Your Pass: You'll receive a confirmation email from Ms. Hussain or Ms. Lipton, which is your pass to attend.
• FCPS Tutoring Resources
  • In-person tutoring- https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/tutoring-options/tutor-list
    • A cultivated list of FCPS-certified tutors that can be hired to support students
  • Online Tutoring- https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/tutoring-options/online-tutoring-service
    • Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.  All FCPS students automatically have access to these free resources when they log into Clever through Schoology.

Step 3 - Resources

• Grades, Grade Book Information, and Retake Policy

  • Make sure you know what the grading policies are for your classes.
    • Check Schoology/check the syllabus for the class.
      • If you don't know or can't find the information, ask your teacher.
  • Retakes can be a helpful tool if you struggled on an assessment, but don't rely on taking a retake every time you have a test.
    • That can lead to a "snowball" effect, where preparing for retakes impacts how much time you have to prepare for other tests that you're taking for the first time.

• StudentVUE/ParentVUE vs. Schoology

  • StudentVUE/ParentVUE houses grades, while Schoology houses assignments. You can also see what is overdue.
  • Parents, if you need help accessing ParentVue - FCPS ParentVue Account Overview
    • How Parents Can Receive Notifications if Their Child's Grades drop

• Additional information on Grading and Attendance

  • FCPS Grading Policies
  • What is a rolling gradebook?
  • School attendance is tied to academic achievement
  • FCPS Attendance Policy
  • Executive Functioning Groups - reach out to your school counselor

• Study Skills Strategies

  • Studying 101: Study Smarter, Not Harder - The Learning Center, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of North Carolina
  • Improve My High School Study Skills - James Madison University
  • Science- Backed Studying Techniques - Edutopia
  • Study Skills Guide: Study Tips, Strategies & Lessons - educationcorner.com

• Note Taking Skills

  • How To Take Study Notes: 5 Effective Note Taking Methods - oxfordlearning.com
  • Note-Taking - Harvard University
  • Note Taking Tips and Methods to Improve Your Notes - Purdue University
  • Note Taking Tips for Teens - TeensHealth
  • Note-Taking Guide | Center for Teaching and Learning - Stanford University

• Organizational Tips 

  • How to Be More Organized in High School: The Student’s Guide – Transizion
  • Organizing Your Schoolwork - TeensHealth
  • 8 Time Management Tips for Students - Harvard University
  • Organization Strategies for Students - Stanford University
  • Tips for Getting a Good Start in High School - Child Mind Institute

Step 4 - Talk to your School Counselor

If you have exhausted the steps listed above and need additional support:

• Visit Your Counselor in Student Services (in the 2300 hallway), OR send an email
  • Langley School Counselor Staff and Contact Pages - https://langleyhs.fcps.edu/department/student-services-staff
• Counselors will...
  • help to support you in meeting your academic goals
  • strategize approaches to remediation
  • help evaluate academic balance
  • help facilitate additional resources and supports within the school

Learn more about FCPS School Counseling Services