Academic Support

Director of Academic Support

Janet Ryczko

Director of Academic Support, Teacher

One of the many reasons we decided to enroll our child at SJCP, was the Seton Program. Having a student with accommodations can make parents anxious and wanting to be assured they are in good hands. When we met Ms. Ryczko, we felt an immediate calm and trust, that she has got this. I can’t say enough about the communication, advice, and energy she has brought to us as parents and to our child. There was not one unanswered email (and there have been many), that she didn’t answer every question with good information and always a good idea or method for a solution and followed through with her ideas. Ms. Ryczko has always gone out of her way to have impromptu meetings with us and our son and always with nothing but genuine concern to better our son’s future and keeping us informed while doing it. Ms. Ryczko has always tried to instill confidence and good learning skills with our son and has never wavered or left one stone unturned with him. As parents, we absolutely without question love what she has done for us and we know our son will become a better person because of it. Ms. Ryczko, you rock!!!!!~ SJCP Parents

The goal of academic support services at Saint John’s Catholic Prep is to help every student become confident and successful on his or her academic journey. SJCP has several options for students requiring additional support to effectively access our college preparatory curriculum. These supports include:

after school office hours with faculty and/or peer tutors (NHS),
the after school Prep Center for help from our Director of Academic Support on general academic organizational, time management and planning skills,
development of a formal accommodation plan for students with documented learning differences,
the addition of a resource class (Seton Scholars Class) for student with a formal learning plan who may need more intensive weekly support.

What does it take to become a successful student? Is it good grades? Is it a great personality? Is it grit and perseverance? There are many things that contribute to being a successful student. How many can you check off this list?

I come to class prepared to be an active participant – reading and other homework completed and submitted on time
I ask questions in class – this shows my teacher I am interested, engaged and that I’m trying to connect with the material being taught
I have a specific location at home dedicated to schoolwork (few distractions, good lighting, proper work surface, school supplies at hand)
I know the best time of day for me to complete my schoolwork and I try to work at that same time as consistently as possible
I use a timer when completing schoolwork to set realistic expectations for work times and break times (a.k.a. using the Pomodoro Method)
I prepare for quizzes or tests by:
- Making practice tests
- Teaching a parent or friend (if I can explain it, I know it)
- Making my own study guide
I take notes or ask for supplemental notes if I need them
I take time to re-write or better organize my notes, so they are easily understood and ready when it’s time to prepare for a test
I check my grade progress regularly, notice my strengths and challenges, and make concrete plans to address challenges
When taking tests, I read through all the questions first and mentally plan out how much time to spend on each question. Or maybe work easy to hard – to build my confidence
When writing an essay, I create an outline first to organize my thoughts, then I write multiple drafts before submitting the final version
I review all assignments, quizzes and tests when they are returned by the teacher and work to understand my mistakes or what I can do to improve my grade (meeting with teacher if needed)
I go to tutoring frequently – NHS tutor or teacher after school – sometimes just to do my homework so I can ask questions when I need to
I use a written or digital planner to keep track of daily, weekly and monthly commitments including schoolwork, athletics, and personal events
I prioritize and plan my work to become more efficient with my schoolwork time (do a little every day instead of all at once)
I have a classmate I can check with if I miss class and need to know what went on while I was out, or to give me copies of their notes
I do homework and prepare for tests with a friend – it’s a great way to be sure I haven’t missed anything important – and sometimes I understand things better - 2 brains are better than 1!
I maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle (eat foods that provide good sources of energy, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, get appropriate amount of rest, participate in hobby or leisure events)

My Student Needs Academic Help – Now What???

STEP 1:

Teachers: Encourage your student to talk with his/her teacher. “Students who need help often shy away from asking for it, but people—like teachers and tutors—are in that profession because they love being asked to help students.” Your student’s teachers are experts in their course content and expectations; therefore, teachers are the best place to start when a student is struggling. To prepare your student to ask for help read "The Right Way to Ask Your Teachers for Help".

STEP 2:

Office Hours: Often times, it is quite helpful for students to rethink the end of the school day. Instead of a student’s school day ending at 2:45, the student should plan on staying until 3:45pm in the extended day room to work on homework.

Students can also make prior arrangements with their teacher to get help after school for individual subjects.

Online homework help from Revolution Prep is available for a monthly service fee. More information can be found in this Revolution Prep Flyer or on the Revolution Prep website. Mention SJCP when contacting them about their services.

Additional help can be found in the Tips & Tools for Better Learning.

STEP 3:

Counselors: School Counselors can help mediate between teachers, parents and student if necessary. Counselors can help students with stress management, time management, and self-advocacy skills that help to make a positive impact on grades. In addition, school counselors can help identify any personal issues that may be affecting a student’s academic performance. Counselors can provide the students with the skills and resources to seek and follow-through with help – academically, socially and emotionally.

STEP 4:

Assistant Head of School: Should all other avenues be exhausted to improve the student’s academic performance; the Assistant Head of School should be contacted.

What is the Seton Scholars Class?

The Seton Scholars class provides support for motivated students who have mild documented learning differences. Without forgoing the high standards set by SJCP, The Seton Scholars class is offered weekly and restructures each student’s schedule to allow for a lighter course load and includes class time for academic coaching with a resource teacher.

ALL SETON SCHOLAR MEMBERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Weekly lessons and class assignments related to learning strategies and/or critical thinking skills.
Executive Function support for scheduling homework, study time, and organizing materials.
Supplemental curriculum support (extra time to complete and assignment, specific guidance and structure for long or involved assignments, help with studying, etc.)
Tutoring help with topics or concepts that might be causing confusion.
“Chill time” for those who need a break from the hectic pace of an average day.
Support and encouragement to become self-advocates and to better understand any needs or preferences regarding the learning environment.

Q & A:

How do I know if the Seton Program is appropriate for my student?

How does my student apply for the Seton Program?

During the general SJCP application process, families indicate prior academic accommodations and provide documentation of learning challenges.
Professional documentation should include diagnosis, recommendations for accommodations, copies of prior accommodation plans.
An interview is scheduled with the director of the Seton Program, where families discuss the details of the program and indicate desire to be enrolled in the Seton Program.
Once accepted into SJCP, families will receive a letter of enrollment into the Seton Program and will be able to indicate their desire to reserve a spot.

What are Seton classes?

Seton classes are study skills resources classes offered weekly as part of a student’s class schedule.
Classes meet 4 times per week for about 1 hour.
Seton class are non-credit classes which replace a class in the student’s schedule. This may require summer classes for electives to maintain the appropriate number of credits for graduation.
Students generally use this time to review for tests or complete future homework. Class time is also used to review weekly academic progress with the Seton teacher and work together on refining learning strategies as needed.

Is it possible for my student to receive classroom and testing accommodations without enrollment in the Seton Program?

Yes, students who demonstrate need for academic support (based on information documented in professional, educational testing) but who do not require intensive study skills training are still able to receive academic accommodations.
Families should provide documentation and discuss previous and or current accommodation plans with the Director of the Seton Program who will develop an individual accommodation plan for their student.

Are there any additional charges for the Seton Program?

Is my student required to be enrolled in the Seton Program for all 4 years at SJCP?

Students may enroll in the Seton Program for the amount of time appropriate for their learning needs (i.e., 1 semester, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 4 years).
Evaluation of continued enrollment is decided upon through a family and student meeting during the registration period in the spring.
Please be advised that if students require non-credit Seton classes for multiple semesters, the Seton class will be replacing a required course credit and summer classes may be needed to account for missed credits needed for graduation.

How will teachers be advised of my student’s needs?

Before the fall semester, the Seton Program Director prepares an official Individual Accommodation Plan for each student in the Seton Program.
Teachers of students with academic accommodations are provided with a summary of that student’s classroom and testing accommodations as identified on their plan.
Teachers receive training on addressing and implementing accommodations during professional development training.

How am I notified of my student’s academic progress while in the Seton Program?

Families of students in the Seton Program are encouraged to make an appointment with the resource teacher during fall parent/teacher conferences for an update on their student’s resource class progress, especially if there is a concern that the class is not meeting the needs of the student.

Families meet with our guidance counselors and Seton program director during the spring registration period to discuss progress and anticipated need for Seton support in the following year.
If a specific concern is identified by a teacher, the student’s resource teacher will contact the family.
Families are encouraged to contact the student’s resource teacher or Seton Program director directly with any specific concerns they may have at any time throughout the school year.

What is the Prep Center?

Any student, regardless of any documented learning differences, is able to utilize the services of our after-school Prep Center. This classroom space is designed to provide a quiet space for homework, coursework planning or to discuss any academic challenges or concerns with our Director of Academic Support. Students on academic probation are often referred to the Prep Center for guidance in making any necessary changes to their work habits to allow return to academic good standing. The Prep Center, located in room 139, is available to students Monday – Thursday from 3:00 – 3:45 pm.

Tips & Treats Midterm Exam Workshop Presentation

Tips & Tools for Better Learning

All students occasionally need additional support to find success during their academic career. Our Tips and Tools for Better Learning provides information on a variety strategies and resources to succeed academically in high school and future post-secondary education opportunities. (Resources provided by University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.)

Our academic support and counseling staff are always available to meet with students individually for specific needs or concerns. Students are also encouraged to visit our Prep Center, after school on Mondays – Thursdays, to work with our resource teacher on strengthening their study skills and to help with planning and organizing their work.

Study Smarter

Strategies for improving general study skills including memorization, engaging with peers and teachers, listening and class participation.

Be Productive

Strategies for better planning, organization, and efficiency in completing assignments.

Improve Focus

Strategies for improving focus and dealing with distractions.

Read Better

Strategies for reading comprehension, notetaking, and annotations.

Writing Skills

Strategies to enhance your writing skills for essays and papers.

Ace Your Tests

Strategies for preparing for tests and exams including how to answer different types of questions and dealing with test anxiety.

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