As college application deadlines approach, seniors scramble to finish their college essays. Many are turning to the Reading and Writing Lab for help. It may seem surprising, but some seniors are just discovering this resource. It is not the only additional academic support Ithaca High School offers students. IHS has support labs in math, science and social studies as well. Many students view Ithaca as a school with excellent academics, teachers, and resources for students, yet sometimes these resources go unnoticed. The next step is for students to take initiative for their learning and utilize the resources they are offered.
Most students have used Student Services at some point but are still unaware of the many different services they provide. Some of which include scheduling, but also lesser-known services such as counseling. This year, big changes have been implemented. As Mrs. Scavuzzo, a School Social Worker states, “For the first time this year, School Counselors, School Psychologists, and School Social Workers are all located within Student Services. It is our hope that with this change students will have easier access to mental health support when they need it.” She encourages students to utilize these resources: any student can make appointments with Mrs. Sgrecci. If you have questions, need help or mental health support, Student Services is a resource you can and should take advantage of.
Students visit the library to eat lunch, get books or use the computer labs for class projects, but the library offers many more resources. This year the library has a new resource called Sora. Sora is an online platform where students can access e-books and audiobooks. All you have to do is go to the IHS library website and click on the Sora link to access it. You can even use the Sora app on your phone by downloading the app. Another exciting new offering is two digital audio production workstations with Reason Software. These stations will allow students to explore music and production independently. Mr. Heurich, a school librarian, encourages students to utilize the library’s new resources “We’re excited about all the new services and offerings to the school community this year and love student ideas and feedback.” These new offerings are in addition to ongoing help with student research via online databases. The librarians are here to help you whether it is with research or finding a book so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Another important resource available to students is the Reading and Writing Lab. Students can come for help with an english paper, college essay, homework assignment, to get help studying for a test and more. The Reading and Writing Lab is open to everyone yet an “I don’t need help mentality” prevents many students from taking advantage of this resource. The teachers at the Reading and Writing Lab are working to combat this stigma by emphasizing that everyone needs help with their writing, and seeking help is an important skill to learn. Furthermore, it will prepare students for college, where they will need to take a greater initiative for their own success.
A lesser-known resource available to students is the Math Help Room. For the first time this year, the Math Help Room is located in one room for every period in an effort to make it more accessible to students. Additionally, the Math Help Room offers drop-in help due to a scheduling issue with AIS labs. At some point, a switch will be made and the schedules of students with AIS labs will be fixed. Until then, the Math Help Room will be available for drop-in students. Mr. Drix, a math AIS teacher claims that “Some students are reluctant to be signed up for AIS. I’ve had students who were struggling and this made all the difference in the world. It’s a much more relaxed experience and you get more one-on-one experience. I encourage students who are recommended to AIS to go ahead and do it, at least give it a try.” If you have a math question and your teacher doesn’t have any free periods that match with yours, drop by and get help.
The Science Help Room started around seven years ago with the intention of helping students finish lab requirements to be able to take the regents. About five years ago it switched to a one-room format, similar to the other help rooms. Currently, the Science Help Room is open periods 3-8th, and it will likely expand to include before and after school hours as the year progresses. The Science Help Room has always been available for drop-ins, so if you need help in any of your science classes, don’t hesitate to stop by D13.
You can come to the Social Studies Help room for essay preparation, test corrections, homework help, or to study for a test. Mrs. DeCicco emphasizes that “The Social Studies Lab is a welcoming, safe, and quiet space for students to catch up on work and or enhance their current knowledge. Oftentimes students will come a couple of times and then never stop coming.” The Social Studies help room is student-driven and available for drop-ins, meaning you can come in with whatever you need help with and receive assistance.
A common theme in each of the help rooms and in Student Services is the consolidation into one central room or location. This shift occurred under the leadership of Principal Jarett Powers when each content area received its own support room. The creation of content rooms was an effort to make help rooms more accessible to students.
Further advertising of the help rooms and other school resources will work to increase their accessibility. Teachers should continually remind students that the help rooms are an available resource. This can be done by offering students extra credit to bring in an assignment to a help room. An incentive like this can introduce students to the resource, and encourage them to use it in the future.
Teachers can advertise these resources extensively, but it is still up to students to use them. A stigma around asking for help and going to help rooms still exists. The only way to combat this stigma is to use the help rooms and encourage your friends to use them as well. Gradually the stigma around going for help will be lessened. You’re going to have to ask for help continually throughout your life, so swallow your pride and start now. You’ll learn a lifelong skill, and improve your reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills.
You may or may not have known about these offerings or maybe you have been hesitant to use them in the past. Regardless, these resources are here for you to use. If you are struggling in a class, don’t wait until you’re failing to get help. Use your free periods, lunch period, before or after school to take responsibility for your learning. We are fortunate enough to go to a school that offers students a wide variety of academic and social support networks, it’s up to you to take advantage of them.