At EJSHS, students juggle classes, homework, clubs, and sports every day. Guidance counselor Mrs. Sue Borgognone shares simple “school survival hacks” to help Cavos stay organized, manage stress, and know where to go when things feel overwhelming.
Many Emerson students struggle to balance their coursework with extracurricular activities. According to Borgognone, staying organized and asking for help early are two of the most important skills for surviving the school year. Emerson also offers several resources, such as the Wellness Center, the Guidance Office, and Activity Period, to help students handle stress in healthy ways
She explains that when students learn to keep track of their assignments, follow a routine, and use tools like Google Classroom and Google Keep, they are more likely to feel in control. Building strong relationships with classmates, teachers, and families also makes it easier to get support when school feels tough.
“I would say balancing their extracurricular activities and their coursework is one of the most common challenges students face,” says Borgognone.
She adds, “I think managing stress is keeping it as low as possible by staying on top of your schoolwork, which would mean organizing yourself, being prepared, not waiting ’til the last minute, and to engage in activities that relieve stress for you, whatever that is for you.”
To help students manage stress, she recommends planning ahead, not procrastinating, and making time for activities that help them relax. Emerson provides spaces like the Wellness Center, the Media Center, and even simple walk breaks around the building (with permission) so students can decompress during the day.
“Students can speak to their counselors at any time. They can always talk to their teachers and explain how they are feeling overwhelmed, why they are feeling overwhelmed, and teachers and staff are always willing to accommodate and help students manage their stress. The Wellness Center is available. The Mile Walk. Every once in a while, when we have that, it’s a good opportunity for students to relieve stress. Activities during Activity Period, as well, which include the Weight Room, doing physical activities, always help to alleviate stress, and even going into the Media Center and playing games can be a calming activity for students as well,” expresses Borgognone.
Organization is another key “survival hack.” Mrs. Borgognone encourages students to use technology to stay on top of their work. She points to Google’s tools as a simple way to manage assignments and deadlines, and she advises students to follow healthy routines like getting enough sleep and eating well, so they can stay productive
“I think Google has so many features that help students to be organized. Google Classroom, in it of itself, I think, is very user-friendly and organized nicely, and you can manage your assignments with Google Keep, and there are different post-it apps and things like that that you can put onto your Chromebook so you can make to-do lists for yourself,” she shares.
Relationships also play a big role in student well-being. When students talk openly with friends and classmates, they realize they are not alone in feeling stressed. Sharing experiences can make overwhelming moments feel more normal and less scary.
New students are encouraged to ask questions and get involved in activities so they can feel connected faster. Families are part of the support system, too. The Guidance Office focuses on open communication with parents and guardians, and often asks students to share their Google Classroom and review Genesis at home so everyone understands expectations.
In the end, school survival at Emerson comes down to a few simple habits: Stay organized, ask for help early, and use the resources around you.
“Asking questions and getting involved,” emphasizes Mrs. Borgognone, “may be the most important hacks of all.”
