December 9, 2022

Hello Upper School Families,

First semester has flown by, and your teens are busy finishing up final tests and projects and getting ready for exams, which are scheduled for next Tuesday through Friday, December 13-16. Students in each US grade level have their own worries about exams. Freshman know exam grades will be a small factor for the first time towards year-end grades, and seniors are hoping to have their best grades to share on any final college applications.

We want your teens to be able to show what they have learned on their exams to the best of their ability. This will be affected by many factors, including their comfort and skill with the course content, effective study skills, test-taking ability, and the energy and mindset they bring to exams. As we are sure you are witnessing at home, the stress of exams can definitely trigger anxious responses! At this point you may feel either like a therapist or punching bag depending on the day.

What your teens will benefit the most from is your assurance that these exams are just one of the many learning opportunities they will have. They need to be reminded that these results in and of themself will not determine the course of their lives. Instead, building strategies to manage this task – and other stressors – in healthy ways is the lifelong skill set our students will continue to use on their educational journeys and beyond.

Our teachers and advisors have all shared with your teens tips about preparing for and taking exams. To help minimize the stress of their first upper school exams, our reading specialists have met with each Freshman Research class to talk to students about preparing for their first US exams. They discussed topics such as making a study plan, choosing the study environments that help them stay focused and productive, and study and test-taking techniques. For example, they were taught that actively engaging with the material (making and taking their own quizzes) creates more enduring learning than simply rereading their notes.

If you or your teen notice they are feeling stressed or anxious, we want them to know there are several strategies they can do to feel better and recenter themselves. They can take deep breaths, take a short break from studying, write in a journal, or exercise. Also, talking to a trusted friend or adult is always a good idea. If they’re feeling anxious at school, they can always reach out to Mrs. Dillon, our upper school counselor who can help unpack any stressors or anxieties and help them identify some healthy coping skills.

Support from home is vital to our students. Encouraging a good night’s rest (pediatricians recommend 8-10 hours a night for teens) and a healthy breakfast can set students up for a successful day. Sharing positive messages with your children verbally or written can help them approach this next week with a positive growth mindset.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support. Wishing you and your family a healthy and balanced exam season and a peaceful Winter Break!

Sincerely,

Dr. Suzanne Ritter, Co-Director of Student Support Services

Taylor Dillon, Upper School Counselor