With the closure of a successful first quarter, a new term of the 2024-25 school year begins, kicking off the last phase of semester one. This new season brings a quarterly tracker of student progress and mental stability at Las Vegas Academy (LVA).

“I had fun with the first quarter. I would say the thing I struggle with is the strict rules with grades and turning in work on time,” freshman Hope Mathis said, sharing her experience regarding the first part of the year.

Many students face the challenge of heavy workloads and tight deadlines, both of which contribute to stress. “The tests make me feel pressured, but I handle it by procrastinating,” Mathis said.

However, Mr. Huston, an English 9 Honors teacher, comments on the impact grades and exams have on students’ mentality. “They have a generally positive effect. They’re concrete indicators and easy benchmarks to visualize. Young people have difficulty visualizing long-term and intangible goals, so having things that are immediate and solid is very beneficial,” Huston said.

Huston addresses the issue of inner conflict in students, remarking that emotional struggles are often linked to academic performance. To improve for this new second quarter, Huston proposes helpful strategies. “Eliminating things that reinforce negative behaviors is always a good start,” Huston said. “Simple things, from time management to attitude control and thought replacement. Thought replacement would be a very beneficial skill for most underclassmen to learn.”

Although school can be a source of stress at times, it also fosters self-discovery and socialization within a community. “The LVA community does have an impact on my well-being. I would say my friends; I love them so much,” Mathis said.

Students continue to balance the challenges of academic demands–opening opportunities for personal growth. While the pressure of grades and exams can be stressful, they also serve as valuable tools for setting and achieving goals. With support from teachers, peers, and the broader school community, students can develop helpful strategies to navigate these challenges successfully. Ultimately, this environment not only fosters academic achievement, but also encourages self-discovery and meaningful social connections.