Are you ready for the PSAT?

The PSAT will be given at ACHS on Wednseday, October 11. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to practice and get familiar with the format of the SAT The score report will include an SAT study plan with links to practice on Khan Academy. The score report will also show AP courses that are a great match for students. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

READING: In the reading test, students will encounter questions like those in a lively, thoughtful, evidence-based discussion. 

• 5 passages
• 47 Multiple choice questions
• 60 minutes

WRITING and LANGUAGE: This section puts students in an active role as an editor who is improving a written passage. Most questions ask students to decide which alternative to an underlined portion most improves it. 

• 4 passages
• 44 Multiple choice questions
• 35 minutes

MATH: To succeed on the math test, students will need to demonstrate mathematical practices, such as problem-solving skills and using the appropriate tools strategically. 

• 2 test sections (Calculator Active & Inactive)
• 40 Multiple choice questions
• 8 grid-in questions
• 70 minutes

Click this link to take a Practice Test.

Math Anxiety Could Be Contagious

Math. Just the word and thought of math causes pain for some. For many people math has always been a struggle. Looking back to our childhood, it seemed to be one of those subjects that some kids did well in, and a constant struggle for others. Which kind of student were you? 

A recent study published by the University of Chicago showed that math anxiety is passed from generation to generation. Researchers measured children's achievement and anxiety level in math at the beginning and end of the school year. Parents were given a questionnaire measuring their own math anxiety, and were asked how often they helped their kids with homework. The study revealed that those students whose parents tried to offer substantial help with homework, despite their own reported discomfort with the subject, learned less math and were more anxious about the subject by the end of the year than those students who had less help from anxious parents.

What to do

If you as a parent don't like math, how can you support your children in their own struggles with math? 

1. Avoid talking negatively about math. Attitude is important. Don't say things like, 'I don't like math' or 'I'm not good at math.'
2. Consider finding outside help. like a math tutor. 
3. Contact your child's teacher for extra support. 
4. Teach your child how to ask for help. It's okay to not understand the first time. It's a learning process. 

Lunch - Such a SMART idea

What exactly is SMART lunch? 

SMART lunch occurs during the lunch hour at ACHS:11:00-12:05. The hour is broken into 2, 30 minute sessions (A Lunch and B Lunch). Students can eat lunch in various areas of the building-identified by signs designating "Go Food Zones." Tutorials are organized into a nifty schedule: 

Students are required to attend tutorials if their grade is below a 70. In addition, most teachers are available to help and support students during times that aren't designated tutorial times. If you have questions, contact the teacher. 

Students in the Freshman Academy follow a slightly different schedule: 

This schedule allows for Academy students to report to Seminar (us old folks might call this "Homeroom") each week. Seminar teachers support students by checking overall grades and mentoring students when encouragement and motivation is needed. 

Students, make the most of SMART tutorials. Teachers are there to help. We want all students to be successful! 

Feeling Refreshed for a New Year

A new school year is up and running at ACHS. As part of the addition of our Freshman Academy, many teachers were displaced for a bit and found themselves part of the BIG MOVE. Initially, it was a daunting task for all, but in the end, a sense of revitalization has come over the entire building. Decorating a classroom can be a difficult task, Teachers strive for the perfect climate - a mix of calm and relaxing, which makes students feel at ease without encouraging them to fall asleep. Once a teacher finds this harmonious setting, recreating it in a new location is trying. The teachers at AC have worked diligently this summer to create learning spaces filled with positivity and warmth, using everything from comfortable seating options to air fresheners to make the classrooms feel inviting. If only we could digitally project the pleasant smells through this post....These pictures don't quite do it justice. 

Even the front office received a face lift thanks to some fancy tile and new furniture. 

These pictures only highlight a few of the learning spaces in our school. This weekly post will continue to highlight the excitement in learning that happens at ACHS! Stay tuned!