1. What are YOU doing to help YOURSELF?

2.  More than half the battle is SHOWING UP  Get to class on time every day  Excuse absences right away  Check in and out of school correctly  Seek out work that you missed when absent  Use systems to get caught up: Teacher web site, block, whiteboard notes

3.  BE there in mind AND body!  Pay attention…it’s not easy and it takes work  Make eye contact, express interest  Cell phones OFF and AWAY  Listen when others are talking  Sleeping is something you do at home, not school  Ask specific questions

4.  Make it so you can find it and use it!  Use planners, 3-ring binders  Check each class every day  Finish assignments on time  Turn in work that looks good

5.  Lots of people are looking out for you, but YOU have to take the lead and look out for yourself  Ask questions in class if you don’t understand  Ask for help outside of class  Contact the teacher or counselors if you have concerns

6.  “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”—Ben Franklin  Accept that learning and growth take place by trying and failing. Getting things “wrong” is more important than getting them “right”  Try new things  Try things that stretch your abilities. You can’t grow if you stay inside your comfort zone

7.  The ideas in this presentation won’t mean anything unless you use them.  Make the commitment to learn and grow  Your life will be very different if you value learning and growth  Take charge of your learning. It’s YOUR life to live  Become a lifelong learner