Own Your Success! Script

Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 1: Own Your Success!)

Teacher: Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Can I get your attention for a moment? Let's kick things off with a quick question.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 2: What Does Success Look Like?)

Teacher: Look at this question: "How do you define success in school? What helps you achieve it?" Take a moment to think about it. Maybe you think about getting a good grade, understanding a tough concept, or finally finishing a big project. Or maybe you've felt stuck, wondering why things aren't clicking.

What comes to mind? Anyone willing to share their definition of success or something that helps them achieve it? (Pause for 2-3 student responses. Validate all responses and connect them to effort/strategy.)

Teacher: Great thoughts! Today, we're going to dive into some practical, actionable strategies that can help you not just achieve, but own your success in school. This is especially important for anyone who feels like they're falling behind on credits or struggling with attendance. These strategies are tools you can use to take control and get back on track.

Explore Academic Strategies (10 minutes)

Teacher: We're going to focus on three key areas. The first is a big one: Time Management.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 3: Strategy 1: Time Management)

Teacher: Let's be real, you all have busy lives. School, maybe a job, family responsibilities, friends, hobbies – it's a lot to juggle. Time management isn't just about school; it's a life skill that will benefit you far beyond these walls. Look at these points:

• Use a Planner/Calendar: This seems simple, but it's powerful. Whether it's a physical planner, your phone calendar, or a school app, actually writing down assignments, test dates, and even when you plan to study makes a huge difference.
• Prioritize Tasks: You can't do everything at once. What's due soonest? What project is worth the most points? Tackle the most important things first.
• Break Down Big Tasks: A huge essay or a big project can feel overwhelming. Instead of thinking "I have to write an essay," think "Today, I'll brainstorm ideas. Tomorrow, I'll write the introduction." Small steps make big tasks manageable.
• Set Realistic Goals: Don't tell yourself you'll study for four hours straight if you know that's not realistic. Start with 30 minutes, take a break, then do another 30.

Teacher: What are some challenges you face with time management? (Allow a few student responses. Empathize with their struggles.)

Teacher: Our second strategy is Active Participation.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 4: Strategy 2: Active Participation)

Teacher: Active participation is about being present and engaged in your learning, not just physically in the room. This not only helps you learn better but also signals to your teachers that you're invested, which can be really helpful if you ever need extra support. Here's what that looks like:

• Ask Questions: If you don't understand something, speak up! Chances are, several other people in the room have the exact same question. There's no such thing as a dumb question.
• Take Notes: Don't just copy what's on the board. Try to summarize what the teacher is saying in your own words. Highlight or star key information. This helps your brain process and remember.
• Participate in Discussions: Share your thoughts, even if you're not 100% sure you're right. It helps you practice articulating your ideas and hear different perspectives.
• Stay Focused: I know it's tough, but try to minimize distractions during class. Put your phone away, avoid side conversations. The more you focus in class, the less work you'll have to do after class.

Teacher: How does active participation help you learn? (Allow a few student responses.)

Teacher: Our final strategy is Utilizing Resources.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 5: Strategy 3: Utilize Resources)

Teacher: You are not alone in your academic journey! There are so many people and tools available to help you succeed. It's smart to use them. Let's look at some:

• Talk to Your Teachers: Seriously, we want you to succeed! If you're struggling, need help with an assignment, or missed something due to absence, come talk to us. We can often help with extra support, make-up work, or just clarify concepts.
• Counselors & Support Staff: Your school counselors are amazing resources for academic planning, but also if you're dealing with personal challenges. There are also other support staff who can connect you with resources in and out of school.
• Tutoring/Study Groups: Sometimes, hearing an explanation from a peer or a dedicated tutor can make a concept click. Don't be afraid to seek out study groups or ask about tutoring options.
• Online Tools: There are tons of free educational websites like Khan Academy, Crash Course videos, and your school's online learning platform. Use them to review, get extra practice, or understand difficult topics.

Teacher: What are some resources you already use, or wish you knew more about? (Allow a few student responses. Highlight any local school resources mentioned.)

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 6: Questions & Clarifications)

Teacher: Any questions about these three strategies? Time management, active participation, or utilizing resources? What sounds most challenging to implement? What sounds like it would be most helpful for you personally?

Personalize & Reflect (10 minutes)

Teacher: Now that we've talked about these strategies, it's time to make it personal. For the next few minutes, I want you to think about your academic situation.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 7: Your Personal Success Plan)

Teacher: Look at these prompts: "Which 1-2 strategies will you commit to trying? What specific action will you take for each?"

Don't try to implement all three at once. Choose one or two that you feel would make the biggest difference for you right now. Then, write down a specific action you'll take. For example, if you choose Time Management, your specific action might be: "I will write down all my assignments for this week in my planner every Monday morning."

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 8: Reflect and Plan)

Teacher: Take a few minutes to write this down in your notebook or on a piece of paper. This isn't for a grade; this is for you. It's your personal commitment to your own success. (Circulate the room, offering quiet support, checking for understanding, and being available for individual questions, especially for students who might need more direct support due to IEPs, 504s, or language barriers. Encourage students to be specific.)

Wrap-Up & Next Steps (5 minutes)

Teacher: Alright, bring it back to me, everyone. I hope you've taken some time to think about how you can apply these strategies.

(Teacher displays Own Your Success! Slide Deck - Slide 9: You've Got This!)

Teacher: I want to leave you with this thought: "Small Steps, Big Impact. Consistency is Key. We are here to support you!" You are capable of amazing things, and even small changes can lead to huge improvements. The key is to be consistent and to remember that you don't have to do it alone. If you try one of these strategies and it feels hard, or you need more ideas, or you just want to talk about how things are going, please come talk to me, talk to your counselor, talk to another trusted adult. We are all here to help you own your success.

Have a great rest of your day!