The academic year is split up into four quarters; the first quarter, the second quarter, the third quarter, and the fourth quarter. While some schools change classes every semester, we maintain the same classes year long. Every quarter is very different in terms of academics, emotions, etc., with each one being a different experience. Here are the four quarters of the school year: ranked, with the fourth quarter being the best, and the 3rd quarter being the worst.
- 3rd Quarter
The third quarter of the school year, which occurs in January through March, is when information tends to get harder and assignments pile up, making it the worst quarter there is. I find that the third quarter is when academic burnout is at its heaviest. Not only this, but many students play sports or have after school activities during this time of year, which makes the heavy workloads even harder to handle. Since the third quarter of the school year occurs right after winter break, students have little to no motivation and are less inclined to do their work. The stress of SATS, AP Exams, SOLS, and finals also come into view. Additionally, students receive minimal breaks during the quarter, so with only a couple of three day weekends, we have little to look forward to. Referred to as the “third quarter slump,” the third quarter has got to be the worst part of the school year.
- 2nd Quarter
The second quarter is rather boring. It is the point where students have already settled in and are used to their habitual routines. Since this quarter takes place from October through December, the colder months, some students experience “seasonal depression,” which is when one experiences depression at only a certain time of the year. This is mainly caused by reduced sunlight exposure and lack of vitamin D during the winter. Effects of seasonal depression can be less motivation, exhaustion, and persistent low mood. I sometimes find my grades slipping during the second quarter due to lack of motivation and laziness. It is the point where the information tends to get somewhat more difficult and teachers start assigning more work. However, students do have the possible motive of working towards winter break ahead.
- 1st Quarter
The first quarter, occurring between August and October, is a jumble of different emotions for the student. It is when students are getting back in the mindset of school after a long summer break. It is also when we are figuring out our classes and meeting new teachers and classmates. Although the 1st quarter can be uncomfortable, it is the best part of the year in terms of academics. Students receive light work from teachers in order to get used to the way their classes are laid out. The first quarter is a fresh start for what’s coming ahead for the rest of the year. Students enter with more motivation when a new school year begins. Starting a new year of school can be intimidating, but it is also a new beginning.
- 4th Quarter
Although it is a close race between the first quarter and the fourth, the fourth quarter has got to win. The fourth quarter, the last quarter of the school during the months of March through May, is when the intensity of the school year comes to an end. Although all final exams occur during this period, teachers assign less work as a cool down for students, and there is also not the pressure of starting a new year, as there is in the first quarter. The fourth quarter is when classes become less stressful and more fun. Summer is coming ahead and the warm weather of spring begins to arrive. The dullness of winter disappears, bringing new motivation to students. The fourth quarter is the best part of the school year.
