As 2025 begins, Harrisites are greeted by more than just a new year. They are navigating the start of a new semester system at Townsend Harris. After years of an annualized grading structure, the school has introduced two semesters with a reset of grades at the end of the fall semester. If January 1 inspires people around the world to set new life goals, this year’s new semester fresh start has inspired students to set new academic goals and seek to create better habits as they enter the second half of the school year.
Physical Education teacher Richard Rodriguez recommends setting new goals. “As the new semester begins and as a new year begins, my advice to my students is to set goals for yourself, stay organized, establish a routine, and prioritize self-care,” he said. “Physical and mental health are essential for success.” For many freshmen, the new semester brings an opportunity for personal growth. Olivia Perla said, “I want to focus on improving my mental health while balancing school work more efficiently. It’s something I’ve been trying to work on more compared to previous years.” Olivia said she also aims to improve her time management. “It’ll help me stay on top of everything without feeling too stressed,” she said.
Freshman Ashton Lin has a precise academic goal. “I want to get at least a 90 in geometry by the end of the year. I also want to get 90 and above in all of my Regents exams,” Ashton said. “I definitely want to procrastinate less and study harder for math.”
Sophomores are also setting goals for better time management. Sophomore Albert Khyan shared his strategy “I’m planning to reduce break times and just get the work done.” Albert, whose hobby is practicing card magic, is working on balancing his hobbies with academics: “As a Townsend Harris magician, it’s hard to juggle work and play, so I’m focusing on better time management this year.”
Juniors are preparing for pivotal exams like the SATs and APs.
Junior Brandon Pinto is actively preparing for these exams: “I recently took a December SAT and was happy with my score, but I’d like to improve. I do tutoring outside of school, and I’m setting target goals for myself.”
He also said he has specific goals for his class grades.
“My biggest goal is to get all of my grades above a 90. Right now, I have only one class that I need to make improvements in. I also want to keep my grades high in my other subjects since this semester will have grades shown on my transcript,” Brandon said.
Senior Li Li shares her goals of striking a better balance between school, her health and social life. “In 2025, I want to establish and maintain a healthy sleeping schedule by going to bed at 9 PM. I also want to go out with my friends more often.”
