The tests of time
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- ‘Tis the season of icy roads and caroling. Christmas is just around the corner, and the only thing on your mind is how many Christmas cookies you can eat in one sitting. Then, on Monday, December 19, your teacher reminds you of the exam tomorrow. WHAT? Now you have to have an all-nighter studying. But this won’t be you. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s first semester exams.
Exam week starts on Tuesday, December 20th and ends Thursday, December 22nd. Exam periods are 1 hour and 15 minutes long with a 15 minute break in between. The first one runs from 7:45-9 am. The second from 9:15-10:30 and the third from 10:45-12. On Tuesday the periods taking exams are 1st, 8th, and 5th. On Wednesday the periods are 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Exam week rounds out with 3rd and 7th on Thursday.
A tip to make your exam week better is to try and leave early. Exam week is what’s called “open campus” which means that once done with your tests for the day you can leave and if you don’t have a test during one of the first periods you can come in late, but if you don’t turn in all of your late work you aren’t allowed to take advantage of this perk.
But if you do have to stay at school, “Bring a blanket and take a nap after all your tests!” says Samantha Stanton (‘17).
Studying is a must if you plan to do well. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of relearning ALL of the material you’ve “learned” in all of your classes, here are some tips to make the most of your study time.
“Don’t get too overwhelmed” says Sally Priest, (‘17). “When I study, I only review the material for the exam(s) for the next day. This is so I don't cram a lot of information in my head that I don't need that day.”
Do the review sheet. Try to do whatever you can without your notes and star everything you don’t know. Then get out your notes and find the answers. By starring the ones you don’t know, it lets you know what to study.
“If a teacher gives you a note card to put information on for during the exam, you don't need to go through study guide and try to write down everything. It won't fit. You want to keep the card for the things you absolutely cannot remember” Priest advises.
Try chewing gum. “Chew some gum while you’re studying and then chew the same flavor of gum you studied with while taking the test because it actually does help you remember things,” says Stanton.
Bring snacks and drinks. Your brain requires lots of energy, and you will use your brain way more during these few days than any other time of year.
“It’s really distracting if, halfway through an exam, your stomach starts growling or suddenly your mouth resembles a desert. A snack before an exam and a water bottle on your desk really helps. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Ashley Ferry, (‘17) says.
Read through each question and don’t get caught up on that one question that’s drawing a blank. One question will not make or break you.
Lastly, just take a deep breath. Chances are, you know more than you think you do. So sharpen your pencils, grab an eraser, study, and succeed!
-Katie Applequist (‘18) Is a first-year member and Assistant Print Editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- ‘Tis the season of icy roads and caroling. Christmas is just around the corner, and the only thing on your mind is how many Christmas cookies you can eat in one sitting. Then, on Monday, December 19, your teacher reminds you of the exam tomorrow. WHAT? Now you have to have an all-nighter studying. But this won’t be you. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s first semester exams.
Exam week starts on Tuesday, December 20th and ends Thursday, December 22nd. Exam periods are 1 hour and 15 minutes long with a 15 minute break in between. The first one runs from 7:45-9 am. The second from 9:15-10:30 and the third from 10:45-12. On Tuesday the periods taking exams are 1st, 8th, and 5th. On Wednesday the periods are 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Exam week rounds out with 3rd and 7th on Thursday.
A tip to make your exam week better is to try and leave early. Exam week is what’s called “open campus” which means that once done with your tests for the day you can leave and if you don’t have a test during one of the first periods you can come in late, but if you don’t turn in all of your late work you aren’t allowed to take advantage of this perk.
But if you do have to stay at school, “Bring a blanket and take a nap after all your tests!” says Samantha Stanton (‘17).
Studying is a must if you plan to do well. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of relearning ALL of the material you’ve “learned” in all of your classes, here are some tips to make the most of your study time.
“Don’t get too overwhelmed” says Sally Priest, (‘17). “When I study, I only review the material for the exam(s) for the next day. This is so I don't cram a lot of information in my head that I don't need that day.”
Do the review sheet. Try to do whatever you can without your notes and star everything you don’t know. Then get out your notes and find the answers. By starring the ones you don’t know, it lets you know what to study.
“If a teacher gives you a note card to put information on for during the exam, you don't need to go through study guide and try to write down everything. It won't fit. You want to keep the card for the things you absolutely cannot remember” Priest advises.
Try chewing gum. “Chew some gum while you’re studying and then chew the same flavor of gum you studied with while taking the test because it actually does help you remember things,” says Stanton.
Bring snacks and drinks. Your brain requires lots of energy, and you will use your brain way more during these few days than any other time of year.
“It’s really distracting if, halfway through an exam, your stomach starts growling or suddenly your mouth resembles a desert. A snack before an exam and a water bottle on your desk really helps. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Ashley Ferry, (‘17) says.
Read through each question and don’t get caught up on that one question that’s drawing a blank. One question will not make or break you.
Lastly, just take a deep breath. Chances are, you know more than you think you do. So sharpen your pencils, grab an eraser, study, and succeed!
-Katie Applequist (‘18) Is a first-year member and Assistant Print Editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
What’s new for next semester
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- As first semester comes to an end, you may be wondering what classes are available for next semester. Here is a list of all the new classes being offered at the Ridge:
Technical Writing- The prerequisite for this CCP class taught by Mrs. Grow is a passing grade in Comp 1. According to guidance counselor, Mrs. Rauchenstein, “This is a great class for anyone who thinks they’re going to go into the field of science, engineering or research.”
Mass Media Communication- Mrs. Grow will be teaching this class offered through CCP. It is a part of COTC’s digital media design major. Mrs. Rauchenstein says, “This would be a good course for someone planning on an artistic or journalistic major.” It includes looking at how social media works and how it is used.
History 151- This CCP class taught by Mr. Wentz is the second half of American history, continuing on from the Civil War, where the class offered first semester, History 150, finished. Mrs. Rauchenstein notes, “This is a great class to gain college credits in high school.”
Probability and stats- Mr. Flick will be teaching this class for a high school credit. It is recommended for students who took the CCP college Algebra class first semester to get a full four years of math.
Creative Writing- Mrs. Garee teaches this class where you will work on description detail, dialogue plot, a little poetry and free writing. Mrs. Garee says, “It’s a great chance for people to be creative and playful with their writing.”
Contemporary Issues- Mrs. Groeniger will be teaching this class focused on current events and news.
Greek Civilization- This CCP class will be taught by Mrs. Dann. It will go over ancient Greek traditions and lifestyles.
Ceramics 2a- This class is ceramics focused solely on hand work.
Students interested in exploring one of these classes should stop in Guidance ASAP to check on availability.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and the Web Editor-in-Chief for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Katelyn Darby
NORTHRIDGE- As first semester comes to an end, you may be wondering what classes are available for next semester. Here is a list of all the new classes being offered at the Ridge:
Technical Writing- The prerequisite for this CCP class taught by Mrs. Grow is a passing grade in Comp 1. According to guidance counselor, Mrs. Rauchenstein, “This is a great class for anyone who thinks they’re going to go into the field of science, engineering or research.”
Mass Media Communication- Mrs. Grow will be teaching this class offered through CCP. It is a part of COTC’s digital media design major. Mrs. Rauchenstein says, “This would be a good course for someone planning on an artistic or journalistic major.” It includes looking at how social media works and how it is used.
History 151- This CCP class taught by Mr. Wentz is the second half of American history, continuing on from the Civil War, where the class offered first semester, History 150, finished. Mrs. Rauchenstein notes, “This is a great class to gain college credits in high school.”
Probability and stats- Mr. Flick will be teaching this class for a high school credit. It is recommended for students who took the CCP college Algebra class first semester to get a full four years of math.
Creative Writing- Mrs. Garee teaches this class where you will work on description detail, dialogue plot, a little poetry and free writing. Mrs. Garee says, “It’s a great chance for people to be creative and playful with their writing.”
Contemporary Issues- Mrs. Groeniger will be teaching this class focused on current events and news.
Greek Civilization- This CCP class will be taught by Mrs. Dann. It will go over ancient Greek traditions and lifestyles.
Ceramics 2a- This class is ceramics focused solely on hand work.
Students interested in exploring one of these classes should stop in Guidance ASAP to check on availability.
-Katelyn Darby (‘18) is a second-year Vault staff member and the Web Editor-in-Chief for The Viking Vault. [email protected]