'Spring Fever' - click to view video
BLYTHEWOOD -- With Spring Break recently passed, and the warmer temperatures approaching, the anticipation of summer causes students to lose their drive to do school work.
According to BHS student Jessica Parks, she understands why students tend to become less motivated after spring break as a result of an entire week off school.
The weather warming up and the excited nerves arising about summer vacation is an influential reason that explains why students tend to slack off during the fourth quarter of the school year.
The distraction of spring fever, according to Psychology and History teacher Effie Holden, has caused a decline in her students grades.
As many believe the weather warming plays a disadvantage to students, it is actually beneficial to others.
“The weather and anticipation of summer affects my motivation and discipline in a postive way. It helps me to stay awake due to how much the sun affects my mood,” Junior Cole Hargett said.
For those who do get distracted however, the best way to keep focused is to stay off the cell phone, according to Parks.
Holden explained the factor that drives her students at the end of the fourth quarter is the knowledge of knowing it is sink or swim time.
Some students who are borderline failing versus passing suddenly tend to try harder at their studies while some in Holden’s AP Psychology class begin to give up because they feel the course is getting more difficult.
“I think towards the end yes it’s nice weather and its also towards the end that either most students know that they’re going to pass or know that they’re going to fail regardless of how much effort they put in towards the end,” Holden said.
The majority of students who are struggling to pass certain classes are most likely not putting effort into their work until the last few weeks of school.
As for those who have constantly been diligent during the school year, what begins to distract them most is the anticipation of summer vacation.
“It makes you want to get out of school quicker and want to enjoy the summer and relax so you kind of get slack a little bit with your work,” Parks stated.
Regardless of the excitement to make plans for summer and be out of school for two months, it is very important students still find endurance to continue a strong work ethic.
Parks suggest students should focus on their school work, accept support from their parents, and put their cell phones down in order end the school year with high grades.
“I would advise students to keep their work up otherwise they will have school in the summer too,” Hargett said.
While BHS students look forward to summer vacation, it is vital every student must stay focused while attending school the last quarter to ensure the student body enjoys the summer vacation both the teachers and students deserve.
