Uniting for IB Success by Ayaana Gupta
Students from the IB program gathered after school in the media center for the monthly IB Study Buddies meeting, where they worked together on homework assignments and shared study tips. The event built a sense of community among the students while helping them manage their IB curriculum. During the meeting, students collaborated on subjects like algebra, chemistry, and AP history. Mrs. Carrie Friday and Mrs. Jennifer Mason were in charge of these monthly meetings. Mrs. Friday stated that “The purpose of IB study buddies is to build community and provide opportunities for students to help each other and work on school work.”
The Study Buddies meeting gave the students the chance to share study techniques and learn from one another. Sophomore Anna Agarie, a student going into the IB Diploma Program said, “I study for tests by using flashcards and reading over things like my textbooks.” Her younger sister Rachel Agarie, a ninth grader also working towards the Diploma Program, shared that the meetings helped her finish her assignments with minimal distractions. “It is a quiet space that gives students time to complete their work since it can be difficult.” Both sisters valued the opportunity to learn new concepts. A. Agarie noted that she learned about “ratio data in statistics” and found that interesting.
The event also connected with the IB Booster meeting, which “provides an opportunity for parents and students to know information about IB and things like college applications,” said Mrs. Friday. In the meeting, parents and students learned about the Double Good Popcorn fundraiser, which lasted from November 5-9th. They also received some information from Mrs. Mason about changes to the IB program, as well as news about a “Personal Project” for 10th graders in IB MYP, explained by Mrs. Nicole Blackmon. Together, programs like Study Buddies and the IB Booster contribute to both academic growth and a strong support system among the IB community.
Caption: IB Teamwork In Action: IB students are working together on homework during the monthly IB Study Buddies meeting in the school media center. The students were also provided with food and drinks at the meeting. Students worked on some of their favorite subjects including engineering, which is Anna Agarie’s favorite subject because you “build many different parts and create 3D items.” After the Study Buddies, an IB Booster meeting was held. Photo by Ayaana Gupta