Volume 13 Issue 4
659 E. Center Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 704-658-2580 www.mooresvillehighschool.net
To inspire young minds to revolutionize
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Greetings Blue Devil Families,
It’s hard to believe that we’re more than halfway through the school year but here we are with the second semester well underway. The next few months will be a very busy time at MHS as we gear up for 2020-21 course registration, CTSO competitions, and athletic events. These busy schedules, along with the attraction of social media, focusing on schoolwork can be a challenge for many students. So we’d like to provide you with specific strategies that you can implement at home to help teach your student how to focus. •
Help them recognize when they’re not focused: Say, “I think you’ve lost your focus” when you see them fidget, daydream, yawn or stare into space.
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Don’t make lack of focus a crime: Your student needs to be able to admit when they’ve lost their concentration. Blaming them only makes them defensive and likely to make lame excuses instead of figuring out ways to focus.
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Help them prioritize: It will be easier for your student to focus when they know what to do first, second and third.
tomorrow. •
Encourage them to break large tasks into smaller ones: Students lose focus when a task is overwhelming.
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Slow things down: Don’t move or talk too fast yourself. And comment when you see your student speeding up. Ask, “Are you taking your time?” and “Have you stopped to check your work?”
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Get your student to relocate: If they’ve lost their focus, it might be easier to refocus in another place, free from distractions.
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Minimize distractions: Make rules about screen time (TV, phone, computer, video games). Schoolwork should come first. •
Avoid interrupting: When your teen is working on schoolwork, don’t remind them to do something else (pack their soccer bag, for example).
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Give clear instructions: Saying, “Get organized” is too vague. “List the tasks you have to do tonight” is more specific. Students must be able to concentrate on one thing with minimal distractions. It is important to remember that focused concentration is a learned behavior. Mastering the ability to focus, with your assistance and guidance will benefit your student throughout his or her life. Thank you for your ongoing support! Eric Schwarzenegger
FEBRUARY
2020
ADMINISTRATION Principal-MHS Eric Schwarzenegger Principal-N.F. Woods Yamaro Scott Assistant Principals Meredith Bost Michael Few Samone Graham Tracey Waid Kevin Wilson Superintendent Dr. Stephen Mauney School Board Roger Hyatt Deborah Marsh Kerry Pennell Leon Pridgen Greg Whitfield