Preparing for Finals

We always know when it is getting closer to finals in McShain Library because students become stressed. Whether it is the dog tired Freshmen who is passed out at his desk or the diligent Senior who is on edge because he is nervous about the upcoming religion test, stress affects each student and in different ways. Here are a couple of tips to help you manage your stress during finals:

1) Schedule your study time.

Buy a planner or use your phone to schedule time for studying and breaks. You will be thankful that you carefully planned your study time rather than cram at the last minute.

2) Spend the most time studying for difficult subjects.

With only a week before finals, your time is limited. Focus the hardest and longest on your difficult classes. Spend the least amount of time studying for your easiest classes.

3) Take breaks.

Human beings are not robots. We are meant to take breaks. Your brain needs down time in order to be efficient. Study for an hour an then take a 20 minute break.You will find that you focus better.

4) Eat a healthy diet.

You are what you eat. Filling your body with sugar-filled junk food will only make you tired once your blood sugar level crashes. Eat whole-foods such as vegetables, fruits, chicken, and grains. These meals will fill you up and not interfere with your blood sugar level.

5) Sleep!

Our bodies are not meant to go without sleep. Without sleep our minds cannot refresh. Having an unfresh mind makes it difficult to learn.

Good luck with finals!!!!!!!!!

8 tips for virtual collaboration, from TED’s tech team

Dr. Anthony Waskie Gives a Lecture on Abraham Lincoln in McShain Library

Members from the Prep History Club and McShain Library combined forces to invite Dr. Anthony Waskie, a Temple history professor and American Civil War expert, to give a speech commemorating the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Prep students and faculty alike flocked McShain Library to hear what the professor had to say about the controversial historical figure.

Look Who Miss Counts Met Over the Weekend…..

It’s Alex Holley from Philadelphia’s Fox29 News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back, Prep Hawks!

Your lovely librarians hope that each of you had a fun-filled Spring Break. Now that we have returned it is time to get back in the groove of things. Before you know it, finals will be upon us. During one of your study sessions in McShain Library be sure to check-out our newest books. You will be glad you did.

                      

1) Jaws by Peter Benchley

A killer shark is on the loose in the waters near the small coastal town of Amity. It is up to the police-chief, a marine biologist, and a local fisherman to stop the carnage by hunting down the shark.

2) Eyes Wide Open by Paul Fleischman

Recognized as an Outstanding Science Trade Book for K-12 students by the National Science Teachers Association, Eyes Wide Open explores the destruction of the natural environment by focusing on five key issues: population, consumption, energy, food, and climate.

3) Bad for You: Exposing the War Against Fun by Kevin C. Pyle and Scott Cunningham

Social websites harm children’s minds. Flash mobs disrupt the peace. Day dreaming is a waste of time. Do you ever feel like adults are trying to ruin all of the fun? Yes? This book will help you provide an informed response next time an adult tries to argue against fun.

4) Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Arlo Santiago is a teen with an important decision to make. Either he can continue to be the best player in a drone based video game, or he can pursue the real thing by working for the U.S military. Which will he choose?

Have a Safe and Happy Spring Break, Prep Hawks!

April is Almost Here!

With April swiftly approaching we have set up our library displays to celebrate Poetry and Jazz Appreciation Month (J.A.M). April is also Drop Everything and Read Month (D.E.A.R). Here are just a few books on our shelves:

 

The TED2015 conference in 30 quotes

Prep Talk Participation Form

As the end of the 2014-2015 school year approaches, we want to use the remaining time as a period for reflection. Regardless of whether this is your first or last year at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, many of you have seen and done things that you never thought possible. The lessons gathered from these experiences have helped you develop into the men you are today. We ask you to please share your stories of growth with your fellow Prep Hawks by participating in The Prep Talk event on April 30th, 2015 at 2:30 pm.

Complete the Who Am I? participation form in order to give a speech. All forms should be emailed or handed to Miss Counts in McShain Library. Miss Counts can be emailed at ccounts@sjprephawks.org.

The forms can be found below:

1) PrepTalkflyer

2) Prep Talk Participation Form

Lifehacker’s 100 Most Useful Websites

Lifehacker.com is a valuable resource for those trying to find innovative, efficient ways to complete life’s everyday tasks. Today they posted an article that describes the 100 most useful websites on the internet. The websites listed can be used to complete a project or pass the time. Click on the following link to see the list. http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/the-100-most-useful-websites-the-internet.html?mid=20150318&ref=mail&uid=373780&feq=daily.