* Keep in mind that anything written below is based on our individual experiences, and a teacher may decide to change anything about their class for upcoming years. *

General Points:

Every single one of your teachers encourages you to ask questions and participate in class discussions.

It is important to keep in mind that proper respect from a student to their teacher must be maintained and exercised.

Any one of your teachers is more than willing to help you outside of class in an extra help session after or before the school day.

Chemistry Honors: Mr. Mejia

Structure – how the class works:

Notes: Approximately 95% of class time is devoted to notes. Notes are numbered from the beginning of the year, and the very last set of notes is numbered somewhere between 60 and 70. Mr. Mejia provides guided notes that directly correlate with slideshow presentations that are always uploaded onto Classroom. This way, a student can easily catch up on whatever they might have missed. Each set of notes usually stretches out over a couple of days.

Homework: The only form of homework in this class is the homework packets that are due the day of the unit test. These homework packets are comprehensive of the entire unit’s material and are given with plenty of time to complete. Packet length varies.

Quizzes and Tests: A pop quiz can be expected every week; almost always the pop quiz covers the material learned in the previous few days, but as Mr. Mejia likes to say, it can be “on anything you’ve ever learned.” Pop quizzes are usually only around three questions long and will account for around 10 minutes of the class period. If the quiz is on an older topic, Mr. Mejia would almost always give his students a heads-up on the general topic. There are approximately three tests per marking period. Tests usually cover between 4-8 sets of notes.

Lab: Once a week, a lab period for chem will take place during your gym period (gym periods are always the ones before your science class). During that double period, Mr. Mejia can decide to give a lab for students to complete. Labs will almost always build on top of material that you have already covered and will give you a deeper understanding of the concepts. Mr. Mejia gives lab reports, but not for every lab (we were only assigned one lab report). That may change for future years. Keep in mind that we weren’t able to make full use of the lab the entire year. The concept of the lab should always be understood, and one should expect questions on the lab to be asked on quizzes or tests.

Teaching style – what to look out for: Mr. Mejia doesn’t require students to take notes, but for obvious reasons, it is advised that you do. It is made clear what should be written down, and it is often helpful to write down key phrases that will help you understand the concept when looking back at the notes at a later date. Mr. Mejia often makes comments on what have been common mistakes among students; taking note of those comments can be really helpful so that you do not make that same mistake. Mr. Mejia’s quizzes are really straightforward and are always based on what you have learned, so while they are “pop quizzes,” they should not come as a surprise, nor should they feel foreign. It is important to pay attention to details, since these quizzes are so short, any small mistake takes a significant toll on the quiz’s grade. Tests often require you to use knowledge from previous units as well as use knowledge and critical thinking to answer questions that you haven’t necessarily encountered before. At the beginning of the year, Mr. Mejia mentions that he teaches you “A” and “B” and expects you to use those to figure out “C.” Mr. Mejia never asks to remember dates of scientific experiments and discoveries, but on units that concern such concepts, it is important to understand the connection and chronology between the different scientists and their discoveries (Mr. Mejia explicitly states what he would require you to know for the tests).

How to study – tips and tricks: Homework packets will usually cover 90% of what you need to know for the unit tests, so they are your best tool for studying. Many students scan their homework packet when it is incomplete, then they complete the packet gradually as new concepts are introduced, and the evening before the test, print out the blank scans to complete a final time as a way of making sure all concepts are thoroughly understood. It is also advised to flip through the unit’s notes and make sure that you are familiar with everything. Oftentimes extra resources for additional practice are given on Google Classroom. For the quizzes, a good idea might be to go over the material taught in class every evening, and if there are practice questions in the notes, it is in your best interest to complete them or at least some of them. While studying is different for everybody, I found it helpful to keep a stack of flashcards that I very frequently update based on the material learned in class and make sure I consistently review them. This helps me be prepared for quizzes and tests, and by the time the end of the year rolls around, concepts taught in September/October are not entirely forgotten. It is also good to keep your pop quizzes organized and easily accessible for studying for final exams at the end of the year. While tests are not given to the students to take home, Mr. Mejia collects them all and hands them back at the end of the year during final exam review. This, plus keeping your notes and quizzes organized and easily accessible, can be a great help when studying for finals.

US History I Honors: Mr. Meier

Structure – how the class works:

Order of tasks: Homework → Notes → Worksheets → Repeat until the end of the unit → Review day → Test

Homework: Homework on a new subject is assigned before it’s taught in class. This gives students a better understanding of the material before taking traditional notes on it. Homework is usually due a few days after it’s assigned, and it’s almost never due the very next day. The assignments typically consist of a textbook reading with guided questions or a lecture viewing with guided questions. Homework takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete, but sometimes longer, which affects the due date. Homework on the next topic is assigned a few days before the previous topic is finished.

Notes: The day homework on a particular topic is due is almost always the day notes on that topic are given. Notes are either presented through Google Slides and elaborated on by Mr. Meier, or they are written by Mr. Meier on the board, with elaboration, and students follow along while writing. Notes usually take up the majority of the class period and are then discussed and reinforced through additional assignments.

Classwork: Classwork varies in form. It may include reading primary or secondary sources with guided questions, watching videos with guided questions, or using knowledge from the homework and/or notes to answer questions or complete a different type of activity.

Teaching style – what to look out for: Mr. Meier labels all of his assignments in the top corner to help students keep track of their notes, classwork, and homework. The label includes the unit number, subunit number, and a letter for the specific assignment. For example, unit eight, subunit 2, and the second worksheet in that subunit would have the label: 8-2b. The color of the paper also changes with each subunit.

During notes presentations, the bullet points on the slides or board are comprehensive but not as detailed as his elaboration. It’s always a good idea to write down key words, phrases, or ideas he mentions under each bullet point.

Much of Mr. Meier’s classwork encourages active recall. In class, students are often asked to use or summarize knowledge gained from homework or notes in their own words to gain a deeper understanding of the material.

There are almost never quizzes, except for the extremely rare 5-minute open-note quiz on a homework assignment.

There are an average of 3 tests per marking period. Each test covers an entire unit.

A lot of this class requires students to make connections between ideas, different perspectives, and use critical thinking when examining sources.

How to study – tips and tricks:

STUDY GUIDES! Mr. Meier assigns a review sheet about a week before each test. The review sheets are divided into subunits (this is where the label and color system really help). Each subunit has two to three essential questions and a list of terms learned in that subunit, which may include names of people, events, documents, ideas, etc., that you must define.

The essential questions are useful to answer at the end of your study session to confirm your comprehensive understanding of the material.

Defining the list of terms helps you study and recall what you’ve learned throughout the unit. Definitions should be clear and concise, but remember that you’ll need to use these review sheets at the end of the year when studying for your final exam, so the definitions should make sense to someone who hasn’t just learned the material the previous week. This will also help you study the unit as a full story, rather than just a list of terms. Filling in these definitions should be easy if you’ve utilized the label and color system and kept your work organized. Just flip through your assignments and you’ll find the term and definition you need.

Mr. Meier emphasizes making connections, so he occasionally assigns a review activity that requires you to write a sentence or two connecting pairs of terms. It’s always helpful to do this, as it deepens your understanding of the material, just like answering the essential questions and writing good definitions. While Mr. Meier rarely requires students to remember specific dates, the chronology of events should be recognized.

A good trick to develop your ability to make connections is to write a detailed story of the unit as a final step in your studying. Try not to use your review sheet, but if needed, use it only as a guide (the review sheet is always in chronological order). Ensure your story includes all the defined terms. These stories can reinforce the information, serve as a quick last-minute study tool, and be useful when finals come around.

A review is always given the class period before each test. It’s highly advised to complete or attempt the review sheet before this period. Prepare questions for Mr. Meier, whether to clarify something or fill in a term you’re unsure about. It’s important to listen to other students’ questions and write down Mr. Meier’s answers, as he usually answers them in direct relation to what you need to know for the test.

DBQ: Understanding the structure of these essays is crucial, and you’ll gain a better understanding with practice. Manage your time properly, keep your sentences clear and concise, and know that the more you write these essays, the easier they become.

Mr. Meier offers extra help after school and in the mornings. It may be helpful to attend a session if you have additional questions.

English II Honors: Mrs. Cardenas (Accurate only to the first four months of school – Mrs. Cardenas went on maternity leave)

Structure – how the class works:

Notes: There are barely any notes to begin with in this class. If there are notes, it is usually before reading a new book—these notes are created by you! There are mini projects that require students to create their own slideshow about different topics related to the book. These are considered your notes and are very helpful to use in the introduction of an essay on the book.

Classwork: Read the book! You will get screwed over on essay day if you do not. This is key—add post-its when Mrs. Cardenas stops reading and talks about a detail in the book. This is a sign that whatever she talks about will probably be on the quiz. There are reading guides that will help you as well; make sure to do them when reading.

Homework: Homework is assigned multiple times a week, whether it is reading a couple chapters or doing signposts while reading. Get on top of all homework; do not put it off. Reading is not the hard part, it is the signposts while reading. They are extremely tedious to find, and you will procrastinate. Try your hardest to get them done early; it will be for the better!

Quizzes: There will be multiple quizzes on every book you read. The quiz will be based on the details of the book that Mrs. Cardenas talks about in class. If you listen to her comments and know the book, you will pass. Keep in mind that the reading guides will also help prepare you for quizzes as they consist of extremely important questions.

Teaching style – what to look out for: Be on top of your reading! Many will procrastinate and not even read the book. A quiz or an essay question will come up, and you will not be able to answer it properly. Reading is crucial, and it is only when you do so that the lesson becomes extremely enjoyable. She asks questions about the book and connects it to life. She keeps the class awake by getting everybody to engage in the conversation.

How to study – tips and tricks: Read the book and pay attention to the detail in the quiz questions. If you do not procrastinate and get the reading done, the quiz will be relatively simple.

Math Analysis Honors Pre-Calculus: Ms. Kenny

Structure – how the class works:

Notes: Approximately 90% of class time is spent on notes. Notes may take one day or stretch over multiple days. The notes are guided and usually consist of fill-in definitions followed by examples and practice problems.

Homework: Homework is assigned every day except on quiz, quest, or test days. Homework varies, but on average it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. An answer key, or at least a partial one, is always provided along with the homework. However, it is important to use it only to check your work and understanding of the material, not as a template to copy. Doing your homework properly will save you time in the future when you’re studying for the test.

Classwork: Classwork usually consists of practice problems from the notes, but some days are designated as practice days for additional exercises on the material. This practice typically resembles the previous night’s homework.

Quizzes, Quests, Tests: Quizzes are assigned throughout the unit and usually cover one or two topics. Quizzes may take the whole class period or just part of it. Quests are larger than quizzes but smaller than tests and may cover over half of the unit’s material. Quests account for an entire class period. Tests assess the entire unit and also take the whole class period. Ms. Kenny provides review packets before any of these assessments.

Teaching style – what to look out for: Ms. Kenny’s note sheets ensure that you get down all the essential information. Once something is taught, it’s immediately put into practice. However, it may be wise to jot down additional side notes that briefly explain how or what steps you took to reach a particular solution. This can help you later when you study.

How to study – tips and tricks: If you’ve completed your homework properly throughout the unit, simply finishing the review packet is usually enough to prepare for assessments. As an extra precaution, you might want to flip through your notes a few times, but this isn’t always necessary. (Review packets are always due and collected on the day of the quiz, quest, or test.)

Algebra II Honors: Mrs. Klein

Structure – how the class works:

Notes: Mrs. Klein prints out the slideshow presentation and each student receives a hard copy. Packets are individual to each lesson and contain examples that have the steps written down. The only thing you have to write down when taking notes are the steps to the practice problems provided in the notes.

Homework: Homework is assigned in this class but rarely checked. However, I highly suggest completing it because it will benefit you in the long run.

Quizzes/Tests: Mrs. Klein likes to switch it up between quizzes and unit tests. Depending on the unit, she will sometimes split it up into two quizzes, and a unit test will not be given. Keep in mind, these quizzes are often very short and consist of only 10-15 questions. Unit tests are longer and cover the entire unit. The questions given on quizzes/tests are usually straightforward, but as the year continues, she adds in a few questions that are more challenging. As long as you completely understand the basis of the unit, these challenge questions should not be much of a problem. Mrs. Klein also likes to give out extra credit. A riddle is always given and sometimes she will include another math problem related to the unit that is twice as hard.

Teaching style – what to look out for: Mrs. Klein constantly stresses the importance of asking questions and completing the worksheets she hands out. She gives plenty of class time to work on it, which is great because it allows students to recognize the questions they have, and thus have more than enough time to ask her these questions. She does not require you to actively take notes, but I suggest following along and paying attention because she teaches shortcuts that cut down the problem-solving time in half. She also completes the practice problems in the packet with the whole class, so watching and writing down how to solve the problem, as well as having the correct answer to refer back to, will be extremely helpful later on when studying for quizzes and tests.

How to study – tips and tricks: She hands out a large study guide with several questions for each lesson, as well as an answer key. She uploads both of these onto Classroom, so after completing the study guide once, one can reprint the study guide and complete the problems again. I believe this is the most effective way to study—not just for her class, but in any math class in general. By constantly drilling problems, taking a quiz or test will feel like completing another worksheet. It is also helpful to redo the practice/example problems in the notes.

Thank you for reading! We hope this helps!