Tips for Academic Success

• Get and stay organized to help ensure assignments and materials make it to and from school and homework is submitted on time. Having binders, dividers, and homework folders dedicated to each subject area can be helpful. Keeping lockers organized and free of clutter makes it easier for students to find their materials and arrive to their next class on time. Supply lists are included in the summer mailer.
• Utilize the Colina agenda/assignment notebook provided to all students at the beginning of each year to write down homework assignments for each class every day. Some teachers also post daily homework on their websites or Q, but students should continue to write down their homework during class too. Teachers will initial assignment notebooks if students bring it to them for review.
• Have a set place at home designated for doing homework that is free from distractions. Scheduling a regular time each day for doing homework can be helpful. When doing homework and studying, minimize distractions from phones, TVs, and computers.
• Parents can crosscheck homework written down and/or posted online with completed assignments and help to ensure these assignments make it into the correct folder and backpack to turn in the next day. Having a designated homework folder can be helpful. Homework to turn in the next day can go on the right side and assignments to complete at home can go on the left side. The right side should be empty when students return home each day.
• Students can ask teachers for help during class and during CORE. Many teachers are also available at lunch. Communication is key. Parents can also send an email to teachers with questions or concerns. If a student is struggling in a class, parents should start with an email to the teacher.
• Many teachers also utilize Q and/or have their own websites where they post assignments and other class information. Teacher contact information can be found here for Grade 6 / Grade 7 / Grade 8.
• ​Take advantage of tutoring opportunities to get extra help. Tutoring information can be found here.
• Students and parents should check Q frequently for information about grades, assignments, and teacher comments. Link to Q and tips. Student Q login information will be placed in the student agenda notebooks at the beginning of the year. Parent Q login information will be mailed home in the summer. Students can also monitor their Q using Chromebooks in the classroom during CORE.
• Incoming 6th grade students should plan to attend Cougar Camp. All students should plan to attend Orientation before the start of the school year. Parents should plan to attend Back to School Night each year.
• ​Practice Growth Mindset:

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Tips for Social-Emotional Success

• Eat a balanced diet, exercise, and get enough good quality sleep each night
• Limit screen time, especially before bed
• Parents should monitor phone use and social media (more tips on this here)
• If there are concerns with student behavior/bullying, please contact our administrators
• If there are academic or social-emotional concerns, please contact our counselors