Grit Lab, a new guided learning class, is now available to South students for the 2023-2024 school year, Principal Dr. Barbara Georges said. A renewal of guided study, Grit Lab gives students the opportunity to develop study habits such as organizing, goal setting, and planning, Tara Katz, English and Grit Lab teacher, said.

Grit Lab utilizes one-on-one teaching, unlike SRT, which is completely independent, Katz said. Teachers work closely with students to help them with their schoolwork, she added. 

Additionally, South has added content coaching to Grit Lab, Larissa Hanson, Multi-Tiered System of Support Coordinator, said. Coaches help students fill the educational gaps from years before, she said. 

“[If you] missed [out on the] fractions [unit] in elementary school, we can work with you one-on-one to get you to feel confident [working] on them,” Hanson said. 

Students are recommended to Grit Lab by their Student Services team, which includes their counselor, dean, psychologist, and social workers, Hanson said.

“[If] you’re struggling in a class, your Student Services Team [can] recommend you [to] Grit Lab,” Hanson said. “Then, [we] can see the whole picture and figure out what support [is needed]. [We want students] to feel like they are thriving [both] academically and emotionally.” 

During the class period, teachers work with students in small groups, or on-on-one, Katz said.

“[When we meet with students] we have them set their [study] goals by looking through their Google Classrooms, teacher calendars, and PowerSchool,” Katz said. “[If] we see missing [assignments], we make sure they know how to complete that work. We [also] help them plan ahead for quizzes or tests.”

Freshman Brigitte Sisto recommends Grit Lab to any students needing assistance with time management or class absences. 

“My experience at Grit Lab has been really positive,” Sisto said. “It has helped me with my time management, and the teachers [ensure] that I turn in my best work.”