What is Senioritis?
Senioritis started as a fun term to describe the disinterest seniors could feel during their final year. Although it’s not an actual illness, senioritis can have some serious consequences if neglected.
For some, it may show up as turning in lower-quality work, while others may begin skipping classes or school altogether.
This decline in motivation can stem from a variety of factors. In some cases, students may simply feel burned out after years of school. In others, it may come from anxiety or uncertainty about what comes next. The major changes that come with graduating high school and preparing for college or the workforce can bring intense emotional shifts, which may affect a student’s motivation.
CIS site coordinator at Jean Ribault High School, Shalanda Hall, believes that many of her students experience senioritis because they feel they have already accomplished everything they need to.
“They think that since they’re already college ready, that they don’t have to come to class,” she said.
Hall notes that many of her seniors have already received college acceptance letters, which makes them feel that they no longer need to stay fully engaged.
However, this is precisely when students need motivation the most.
So, How Can We Support Students?
To help students stay engaged in their senior year, it is important to help them maintain the balance between work and fun. Senior year is filled with exciting activities, and some students don’t realize what they’ll be missing if they don’t show up.
Create a calendar of important dates
Prom, senior trips, final sporting events, and graduation are just a few of the milestones students can look forward to during their last semester of high school. Creating a calendar that includes these exciting events, along with important academic dates such as project deadlines, final exams, and college admission deadlines, can help students better visualize what lies ahead.
Motivate them with their interests
Sometimes, using incentives is the best way to motivate students to come to school. Several CIS Jax site coordinators create senior contracts with the students that state that if they show up for the full week, they will be rewarded with one of their all-time favorite snacks.
“Exhaustion is the piece to recognize,” says CIS Jax Site Coordinator at Riverside High School, Samantha Picado. “Encouraging students to keep showing up is where we come in. I personally build plans and expectations with incentives on the other side!”
Remind them what they’re working towards
It’s important to encourage students to keep their goals in sight. Whether they plan to attend college, join the military, enter the workforce, go to trade school, or even take a gap year, most students have something to look forward to after graduation. Checking in with students about their plans can help ensure they have a clear path ahead that they are excited about.
College readiness workshops
CIS Jax workforce development programs prepare students for both college and the work environment post-graduation. With activities like resume building, mock interviews, and financial literacy, CIS Jax prepares students to have confidence in whatever path they select post graduation.
Encourage them to have fun
Senior year is the perfect time for students to make lasting memories with friends, but to do that, they need to be at school. After graduation, many students go down different paths, and this could be the last chance they have to hang out together. When students think about skipping class to stay home, remind them that showing up now means making memories that could last a lifetime.
What Can Seniors Do?
Enjoy breaks and weekends
Instead of taking days off during the school year, utilize weekends to the fullest! This is the perfect time for students to detach from their work for a while and focus on their mental health. Taking time away from schoolwork to enjoy time with friends, family, or even by themselves, may give a student the energy to push through the last few months of school.
Take time to study
Rather than simply skimming their notes before an exam, students should set aside dedicated time to truly understand the material. These may be the final tests of the year, but they still play an important role in a student’s final grades, which colleges will see.
Learning how to study effectively is also an important skill for college. The sooner students develop strong study habits, the better prepared they will be. Starting now can help seniors adjust to the more independent, self-paced structure of many college courses.
Meet with a caring adult
If students are feeling anxious or stressed about their workload, the future, or anything else that may be contributing to senioritis, taking time to meet with a counselor or CIS case manager can be helpful. These conversations can provide reassurance and build confidence as students prepare for their next steps.
“I do dual enrollment, so sometimes I procrastinate and end up late to class or behind on my work,” says Terry Parker High School senior Pajamae. “My CIS site coordinator helps me stay on track, like making sure I turn my assignments in on time.”
Conclusion
Senioritis is something many students experience as they approach the end of their high school journey. While it can impact motivation and academic performance, there are ways to address it early and help seniors finish the year strong. Teachers, counselors, parents, case managers, and other supportive adults play an important role in encouraging students to stay engaged while also enjoying a fun and memorable final year of high school.
-Written by: Kyndall Bass