Navigating the Rigor: Supporting Our Students During This Demanding Time of Year

Dear Parents & DAT Community,

 

As we move further into the fall semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on where our students are in their academic journey. We are now more than six weeks into the school year, and while many of our students are still settling into the rhythm of their coursework, a growing trend has become clear: Many students are already feeling the weight of their academic load. 

 

For students who are still adjusting to the school year or struggling to keep up with assignments and studying for tests, it’s important to know that help is available. We understand that transitioning into high school and balancing multiple courses can be overwhelming, and not every student adjusts at the same pace. 

 

If your child is finding it difficult to stay on top of assignments or retain the material for upcoming exams, we encourage them to seek support early. Our teachers are available for extra help during lunch and I have seen students arrange to come early or stay after school to work with a teacher, too.  Encourage your child to take advantage of lunch and remind them that it’s worth missing a period with friends to learn a missing skill. With the right strategies and resources in place, they can regain confidence and improve their performance.

 

This year, more students than ever before have enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and while this shows great ambition and dedication, it also brings new challenges.The rigorous nature of AP courses cannot be understated. These courses are designed to prepare students for college-level work, and they come with high expectations, extensive reading, assignments, and, the infamous end-of-year AP exams. What many students may not realize at first is that AP classes are not just an advanced subject with a test, they are more time-consuming and demanding. 

 

As we are now past the drop/add period for the semester, students are now fully committed to the workload they’ve taken on. There’s no turning back, and it’s time to buckle down for the rest of the semester. Short class periods and frequent holidays with DAT’s calendar, while beneficial in many ways, can add to the challenge of keeping up with AP coursework. The fast pace and limited class time mean that learning has to happen outside of school hours, which places additional pressure on students to manage their time wisely. 

 

This is where students truly need to dig deep and develop strong time management and study habits. In addition to managing their time and seeking academic support, it’s equally important for students to take care of their bodies and minds. Limiting distractions, whether it’s social media, excessive screen time, or other interruptions, can help students stay focused and productive during study sessions. Creating a quiet, organized study space can make a world of difference. Moreover, eating healthy foods and snacks throughout the day is essential for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function. Equally important is ensuring that students get adequate sleep each night. Lack of sleep can hinder their ability to retain information and perform well on tests. A balanced approach to study, nutrition, and rest will help them navigate this challenging time with more resilience and focus.

 

As parents, this is where your support is crucial. Encouraging your children to stay focused and reminding them that the hard work they put in now will pay off later is important. However, it’s equally important to remind them to take care of themselves throughout this demanding process. While striving for A’s is a noble goal, ensuring that students are balancing their mental and physical health with their academic responsibilities is just as critical. We encourage you to check in with your children regularly, help them to remove distractions and make sure they are getting the rest they need.

 

Overall, we want to remind our students that while this is a tough stretch, they are capable of handling these challenges. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but with hard work, dedication, and the right support system, success is well within reach. Let’s work together to ensure that our students not only succeed but thrive as they navigate this busy academic year.

 

Laura Myers

6-12 General Studies Principal