Study Tips and Tricks for School Success
​By Elizabeth Dubos
​
Students, do you often feel stressed, anxious, or nervous right before taking a test, quiz, or exam? You’ve put in extensive hours of studying in order to ace this assignment; unfortunately, when you get your results back it’s a low grade and you become extremely sad or angry. You’re questioning why you put so much energy into studying if it was going to result in a bad grade. Here’s the answer: you’re a smart, dedicated, and hardworking student, but you just need to refine your studying habits in order to succeed. Here are some study tips and tricks to help you succeed on a test, quiz, or exam.

1. Prepare Your Study Space
Before you start studying try to find a study space that’s comfortable and has limited distractions. I recommend studying in your bedroom because it’s a calm and safe place for you to think and concentrate on what could possibly be on the test. Plus, on your bedroom door, you can leave an “I’m studying, please do not disturb” sign. On this sign, you can input study times so surrounding members of your household know when you will be done studying. If you cannot study at home, then consider going to the library because it’ll be a quiet environment for you to study. Also, if you’re a bookworm, you can enjoy checking out fun books to read after a study session.

2. Find and Use Practice Tests Online
The internet is filled with practice tests and worksheets on numerous subjects to help students succeed. First, they can help you judge if you need additional time studying the subject content. Plus, if you’re stuck on a question then you can ask your teacher more about it. Secondly, if you feel nervous, freeze, and you forget the information during the test, the practice tests will help build your confidence with experience, so the testing period doesn’t seem extremely stressful. Thirdly, you can add these practice tests to your collection of notes, so it’ll be a refresher instead of worrying if you forgot past information.
            Here are some websites with free practice tests and worksheets.
            1. Math: https://www.kutasoftware.com/freeipa.html
            2. English Language & Literary: https://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/english/
            3. Science: https://www.varsitytutors.com/science-practice-tests
            4. History: https://www.ducksters.com/questions/history.php

3. Schedule Mini-Breaks
Don’t study for an endless number of hours because it will add to your stress. Schedule three to four breaks during your study session. They can be as little as two minutes or as long as thirty minutes. During your breaks try meditation, yoga, going outside, or watching a funny YouTube video. This will help your brain decompress from all the information you’re trying to learn and remember. Plus, studying won’t feel like a daunting task when you can look forward to doing something fun on your mini-break. Set an alarm for your mini-break to ensure you take it on time and do not overwork yourself.

4. Speak the Content Out Loud 
Reading and repeating the content may work for some people, but not everyone. Think of this study tip as a presentation. You can present to family, friends, or inanimate objects. How will you grab and hold their attention? Will you use study visual aids, i.e., Venn diagrams, bar graphs, pie charts, timelines, etc.? If you’re a visual learner then creating a visual aid will help you remember the content too. You can use glitter, neon colors, or different patterns to help you. After presenting to family and friends encourage them to ask you questions so you feel comfortable discussing the content.  

5. Study Snacks

Try to eat your snack during your scheduled mini-break, so food or drink does not get in your textbook or notes. Here is a list of recommended study snacks that are easy to obtain and are affordable. These snacks should be eaten in moderation and not be substituted for meals.

1. String Cheese: It’s low on calories and high in protein. Grocery stores offer different flavors, so you can try multiple ones until you find your favorite. 

2. Dark Chocolate: It helps with natural stimulation and produces endorphins to help you conquer studying. 

3. Microwave Popcorn: You can enjoy an entire bowl for yourself because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. 

4. Fruit Salad: This is a healthy option to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can either buy a mixture of fruits in the produce section of your grocery store or you can choose your favorite fruits to combine at home.

Note: Remember to drink fluids while studying! First, I recommend green tea because it contains the amino acid L–theanine that will give you energy. Secondly, I recommend water. It’s important to improve circulation in your brain and prevent overheating when you’re studying very hard. You can flavor it with lemons, limes, mint, cucumbers, or strawberries to make it more appetizing. 

6. Technology! 
Large textbooks, notebooks, and binders can be intimidating study materials. Try downloading educational study apps onto your phone or tablet to help you. Here are some affordable and free apps to download on Apple and Android devices. 

1. Quizlet: Free or for $1.99 a month receive additional upgrades. Flashcards are a resourceful study aid to practice and master what you’re learning. On the free version, users can create their own flashcards or choose from other students’. Plus you can share your flashcards with fellow classmates. The flashcards feature audio and images to enhance the learning experience. The upgraded version offers users the choice to upload their own images, get faster help from the Quizlet team, and study without ads. 

2. Exam Countdown: Free – You’ve got multiple exams and you’re starting to freak out. Beat procrastination with this app. It will help you keep track of multiple exam dates so you can schedule enough study time. Plus, you can color code exam importance. 

3. Forest: Free – This app will help you concentrate while studying. In the app you plant a seed, then as you spend more time studying, the seed will grow into a tree. However, if you leave the app and use your phone then the tree with wither. It encourages users to stay focused and gives them a sense of achievement when they’ve completed studying. 

4. Khan Academy: Free – This app included thousands of educational and instructional videos and articles that you can use to study with. Practice tests are provided too. You can bookmark information, so when it’s time for your scheduled mini-breaks you will not lose information. 

7. Incorporate Color into Notes
For paper notes use highlighters, colored pencils, Crayola markers thin/thick, and Paper Mate Ink Gel pens. The two last items will prevent note smudging. On digital devices, you can use a different font and highlight colors in your study documents. Colors are important for various purposes. First, you can color coordinate importance, so if you need to find important information you’ll find it easily. Secondly, handwriting in different colors can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Embrace your creative side when studying because it’ll make the content memorable. Next, you can organize subjects with different colors. For example, you only write history notes in green, math in purple, and blue for history. 
Lastly, if you do not do well on one test, quiz, or exam it is not the end of the world. Continue to work hard and your efforts will show. Good luck!
Edited by London Koffler

The Bright, Shining One—Part One
by
Laurel Copes
​
Ellis felt the patter of raindrops scatter across his skin. He quickly covered his camera with his jacket and trudged along the path left in Avery’s wake. A flicker of regret flashed through his mind. Of course, she would play this sort of game. Everyone who had ever entered this field had a different story to tell about what lay inside it once they emerged. Now, standing beneath the makings of a thunderstorm, he wasn’t so sure about following her here.

The cornstalks rose higher the farther he walked, the line between the crops and her steps becoming more distinct with each stride he took. Whispering winds blew the sweet smell of summer through the maze. He looked up. The clouds were gathering; the sky ever darkening. Suddenly, he heard her. Turning slowly, his dirty Converse rotating in the freshly created mud, he scanned the line of crops for that fleeting glimpse of dark hair he’d been chasing all afternoon. Nothing appeared, and disappointment sank in his gut. Leaving her alone wasn’t an option but trailing someone who didn’t want to be found was beginning to wear him down.

A bobbing in the distance caught his eye. Thirty feet ahead he could make out the brown of the hat she’d stolen from him when they’d stood outside the sprawling corn earlier that morning. He broke into a run, trying to dissect that mysterious thing she’d said before plunging headfirst into the crops:

 “I told you not to come. This isn’t something you should be a part of. Just—don’t follow me. We can work on the photos later.”

It had seemed like she meant something more by excluding him from whatever the “something” happened to be. He’d never been particularly fond of being told what to do, and Avery was always assuming she knew what was best for him.
A startled yelp sounded to his right. 

Spinning quickly, he saw her hazily through a few feet of leaves, her back to him, perfectly framed by the greenery. At least he’d manage to get a good shot for his portfolio.

Eye pressed to the viewfinder, he centered her and clicked down just as he noticed the silhouette of a woman across her shoulder. Her voice bristled across his skin as the words the woman spoke reached him, “I’ve already seen it; there’s nothing to be done.”

He didn’t know who she was, but whatever was going on, he knew they had to get out. He steeled himself to speak.

“Let’s go, Aves. I’m done chasing you. We need to get out of here.”

Avery looked back at him, a warning lurking in her eyes.

“I told you not to come.”

A clap of thunder sounded in the sky and the woman peered around his friend. She was old. Very old. And wearing only a light pink nightgown with little flowers curling up and down the sides. On her feet was a pair of slippers. The white fluff of her hair was matted down with the rain. And her eyes, piercing and green and alert as they come, were trained on him.

“This is a surprise; I wasn’t expecting two.”

Edited by London Koffler

The Best Online Bookstores for Discounted Books
​By Elizabeth Dubos
​
Buying books online is great because customers can save hundreds on their favorite titles and textbooks and get free shipping. Customers can choose from a variety of paperbacks, hardbacks, library binding, soft covers, and audiobooks at deeply discounted prices. Here are some of the best online bookstore websites for all ages to buy discounted books.

1. BookOutlet.com
The secret to Book Outlet’s online success is that publishers sell returns or excess inventory with small lines or dots. Then, Book Outlet can resell the books for 50-90% off the original price. In addition, Book Outlet has a rewards program for buyers to earn points toward their next purchase and be the first to know about their website’s exclusive offers or coupons. Plus, free shipping on orders $35 or more. The online book retailer features numerous book categories for all ages. For example, architecture, art, history, fitness, medical, nature, study aids, children’s, tweens, and young adult fiction/nonfiction. One of the best features about Book Outlet is that customers can purchase gift cards, so no one must worry about choosing the wrong book. 

2. ThriftBooks.com
ThriftBooks is popular because they offer numerous deals, special offers, and a loyalty program for their customers. Teachers and educators can always receive a fifteen percent discount on their purchases. ThriftBooks has the advantage of selling rare and collectible books at discounted prices. For instance, customers can purchase signed books by their favorite authors. Next, ThriftBooks offers discounted audiobooks for customers too. United States customers can receive free shipping on ten dollar purchases. ThriftBooks has an extensive textbook category for students, parents, and teachers for various subjects that include: business, grammar, literature, computer science, foreign languages, and math; textbooks start at $3.79. 

3. Alibris.com
Alibris sells over 150 million books, movies, and albums across the world. Alibris is popular with students because they have a textbook buyback option and student discounts for already discounted books. Students can save up to 80% on used textbooks and find international editions for 50% less of the original price. Currently, Alibris has a Back-to-School Guide for Best Literary Books, Dorm Life, Graduate School, and popular textbooks. Alibris has a category of best book bargains starting at 99 cents. They offer exclusive offers and coupon codes too. For instance, customers can enter their email address for a five dollar coupon and receive future coupons. 

4. BetterWorldBooks.com
At Better World Books customers can shop the bargain bin and the clearance aisle and save up to 90% on textbooks, thus saving customers hundreds of dollars. They offer free shipping to any location in the world. Better World Books believes in the gift of literature and sells gift cards ten dollars and up. This online book retailer is popular for those who are environmentally friendly. Better World Books believes in spreading literature around the world and helping save the environment. Every time a customer purchases a book through this online retailer they donate a book to someone in need. In June 2018, 26 million books were donated through their Book for Book program. Better World Books recycled over 300 million books to keep them out of a landfill. 
 
 
5. BookDepository.com
Book Depository offers more than 18 million titles and low prices with free worldwide delivery. Customers can pre-order books at discounted prices too. The online book retailer offers bookmarks to let friends and family know which books you’re currently reading. In addition to already discounted books, Book Depository has a bargain shop section where customers can receive more than 50% off their favorite books. Categories on Book Depository include: audiobooks, gardening, graphic novels, travel guides, and children and young adult fiction/nonfiction. Plus, it includes popular books, textbooks, and coloring books for all ages too. 
 
Edited by London Koffler

Delicious, Affordable, and Healthy School Snack Recipes
By Elizabeth Dubos

Potato chips, cookies, and soda, OH MY! Unfortunately, these fan favorite school snacks are unhealthy because they’re high in calories, sodium, carbohydrates, and sugar. It’s easy to fall into this snack trap because nobody has hours to put into making snacks or they cannot find the right recipe for personal likes or dietary purposes. The following recipes are easy to make and involve ingredients that you probably already have in your house.

1. Apple, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Chip Sandwich
Things you will need:
            Knife
            Apple Corer (Alternatives: small circle, star cookie cutter, or knife)
            Apple
Peanut Butter (Alternatives: almond or coconut butter, Nutella, strawberry jam, or caramel)
Mini Chocolate Chips (Alternatives: sprinkles, granola, raisins, blueberries, or deli turkey slices)

Instructions:
            1. Depending on the size of your apple cut two or more slices.
            2. Use the apple corer or the alternatives to cut the center of the apple slices out.
            3. On each apple slice spread one tablespoon of peanut butter, or alternative.
            4. On one apple slice, place one tablespoon of chocolate chips or alternative over the peanut butter or alternative.
            5. Place the slice without chocolate chips or alternative on top to form the apple sandwich.

Note: If you or your children are not going to eat them right away, try brushing them lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning. Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack.
 
2. Ham & Cheese Pretzel Bites
Things you will need:
            Deli American Cheese (Alternatives: cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or mozzarella)
            Deli Ham (Alternatives: turkey, roast beef, bologna, or salami)
            Small Pretzel Stick

Instructions:
1. Take a slice of American cheese and deli ham or alternatives to roll together tightly.
2. Insert small pretzel stick in the middle of the ham and cheese roll or alternatives.
Note: To add safety in lunchbox add more than one pretzel stick. Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack.

3. Celery Snake
Things you will need:
            Knife
            Celery Sticks
Peanut Butter (Alternatives: almond or coconut butter, Nutella, strawberry jam, or caramel)
            Green Grapes
            Chocolate Chips
            Strawberries (Optional)

Instructions:
            1. Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or alternative in the curve of the celery stick.
            2. Place two chocolate chips on the end of the celery stick for eyes.
            3. Place grapes behind the eyes to create a green garden snack.

Optional: To add snake tongue cut small slices of strawberries. Also, you can add remaining strawberries with grapes for additional snake colors. 

Note: Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack.
 
4. Strawberry and Nutella Sushi
Things you will need:
            Knife
Nutella (Alternatives: cream cheese, whipped cream, peanut butter, strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry jam)
Strawberries
            Whole Grain Tortillas

Instructions:
            1. Cut off green stem from strawberries.
            2. Cut tortillas into one inch slices.
            3. Spread Nutella or alternative onto each tortilla slice.
            4. Place one strawberry at end of tortilla slice and roll.

Note: To help sushi stay together in lunch boxes put a tooth pick through the middle of each sushi roll. Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack.
 
5. Fruit Yogurt Bark
Things you will need:
            Parchment paper
            Square or rectangle sheet pan with at least one – two inch sides
Yogurt of choice: vanilla, strawberry, strawberry-banana, blueberry, peach, or black cherry
Freeze Dried Fruits (Choices: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, mango, or bananas)
Optional: Chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or pieces of Oreo cookies

Instructions:
 1. Line parchment paper over sheet pan.

Tip: Tape down parchment sides so it does not get in yogurt bark.

 2. Spread yogurt of choice evenly throughout the pan about ½ inch.

  Note: You don’t want it too thin or thick or else it won’t break easily.

  3. Place freeze dried fruits & other possible choices over the yogurt spread.

4. Freeze for more than five hours to be completely frozen.

Note: Freeze time depends on size of pan.

5. After it’s completely frozen, remove the frozen fruit yogurt from the pan and peel off the parchment paper.

6. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Note: Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack.
 
6. No Bake Granola Bites
Things you will need:
            Two medium mixing bowls
            Ice Cream Scooper
            1/2 cup peanut butter
            1/3 cup honey
            2 tablespoons brown sugar
            1 tsp vanilla extract
            1 cup rolled oats
            1/2 cup rice crispy cereal
            1/4 cup oat bran
            2/3 cup shredded coconut 
​
Instructions:
1. In one medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. In second medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, rice crispy cereal, oat bran, and shredded coconut.
3. Place half of second mixture into first mixture to combine.
4. Repeat step 3.
Note: Putting the second mixture in halves helps evenly coat the final mixture.
5. Put final mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Note: You don’t want it frozen, only chilled and firm.
6. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and use the ice cream scoop to shape the granola bites.
 7. Put granola bites back into refrigerator to retain shape for 30 minutes.
Note: Store in the refrigerator or in a lunch box next to the ice pack in an airtight container.
 
Edited by: Emily Chance