The PCS Roar created an anonymous form and sent it out to PCS community members in order to help students and teachers alike find answers to their daily dilemmas. After questions came in, we worked with teachers and administrators to find the answers to these burning questions.
Student A: “[I need help with] keeping track of all the information they tell you in AP World…”
ANSWER: Firstly, it is essential for you to keep your notes organized outside of the AP class period! Not everything you read in your textbook will be on the test, so make sure you prioritize the key pieces of information and organize it whichever way your brain adapts to best. For some people, making flashcards and study guides really helps.
Student B: “[I need] advice on how to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation.”
ANSWER: First of all, you should make sure you are asking a teacher who you believe can write you a positive and honest letter of recommendation. Choose a teacher who you have a good relationship with and make sure you have examples in mind of what you are most proud of that you accomplished in their class.
Student C: “[I need advice on] getting good grades…”
ANSWER: That is a universal struggle, especially in higher grades, so don’t worry! You aren’t alone. If you’re really struggling in a class, talk to your teacher or your peers who can help! There are often helpful tutorials online for subjects you may be struggling in, specifically math or science videos.
Teacher D: “…how do I navigate the use of AI? How can I be sure which students are and are not using it?”
ANSWER: When it comes to using AI, teachers should consider that the most important thing is transparency and open discussion. Both students and teachers use AI, and acting like this is not the case simply avoids the complexity of the issue and causes students to be more secretive. In the end, the easiest way to know if students are using AI in ways they are not supposed to is if their work is not consistent. If a student does not get work done in class and struggles with tests but writes seemingly perfect essays, it is likely that they are relying on AI or outside resources.
Student E: “I need advice on writing a good email to teachers if I have a question or concern — I feel like it’s really difficult because it can be hard to decipher the tone on either side…”
ANSWER: Send your email as a sandwich! Greet them, ask your question or concern, and make sure to thank them at the end. Always keep your email respectful and professional because that’s an important skill you will need to have in your personal and work life.
Student F: “Where I can find info on financial aid for college[?]”
ANSWER: It often depends on what college you are applying to and what program you’re using but you can look up FAFSA California for general information on receiving federal financial aid as a California resident or talk to Maiya Marshall ([email protected]) for more specific knowledge.
Student G: “How can I…make a good creative project if I’m not a creative person?”
ANSWER: There’s no such thing as a “creative person” because we are all able to create things in different ways. People associate the word creative with a specific art form, but there are so many ways of expressing yourself other than a painting for a creative project. Do your project on what you are passionate about. Ms. Messoloras, an experienced artist and art teacher at PCS, says, “…focus on what you love. It’s always nice to start from a place that is meaningful to yourself. Play. Play is a big part of being creative…I think a lot of time people lose their knack for creativity as they get older because the judgement kicks in, and we start to criticize ourselves…[Put] the bat down, [if] you find yourself beating yourself up, just keep going, pushing through that. And even if you’re making mistakes, just keep going.”
