Tyler Gordon and Sydney Wolf – LRHS News

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Winter Break is what many students look forward to the whole school year. It gives students a break from school and time with family and friends for the holidays. The only thing that could put a damper on the holiday break mood? Semester Exams.

The biggest problem with the post winter break exams is procrastination. Most students know that they will not study for their exams.

“At Riverview we did our exams the week before winter break and it is such a weight lifted off my shoulders. Then I could spend my break stress-free,” said Riverview Junior Rachel Easterling.

Senor Alex Latham said that sounds like a good idea.

“I would much rather have exams after break so I could get it out of the way and not worry the whole break,” she said.

Senior Julia Guida stated exam week can ruin a good break.

“I’ve been looking forward to winter break and I really don’t want to have to worry about exams.”

Junior Colette Winkler said she barely thought about school during the break.

“It’s my time away from school. I’m not going to let it interfere at all.”

Junior Talia Falco agreed.

“I got nothing done during break. I didn’t want to worry about exams but I was really stressed about them. I hope we review a lot in my classes,” she said.

Now that students have returned from break and are getting back in the groove of being in school, most are not very happy about exams being so soon.

Odds are, lots of informations has been lost or forgotten over the break and the only way to save the grades will be to crack down and complete those study guides.

“I would much rather have exams after break so the information could be fresh in my mind instead of trying to cram it all in from review sheets,” said Senior Bri Reda.

Lakewood Ranch Assistant Principal Mike Mullen understands the desire for earlier exams, but says the decision is a county, not a school issue. Manatee school officials scheduled exams after the break to coordinate with the districts. He adds that some parents felt students did not have enough time to prepare for exams by mid-December.

Many teachers will be passing out review packets and be giving overviews of the first semester to jog students memories. Students are urged to take advantage of any help offered and any other opportunities to put yourself ahead of the game.

Anxiety can get the best of anyone as the semester exams approach LRHS students quickly. As long as students properly prepare themselves, testing will run smoothy.