Getting sick. Listen, it’s happened to all of us at some point in our lives, whether it be just common cold to something more severe like the flu or covid. We all know being sick isn’t really all that fun. All you can really do is take medicine, rest a lot, and wait before your body feels ready to get back to work. Well, thats all fine and dandy, but what if you end up getting sick during school hours? Unless it’s something really bad, that schoolwork ain’t going anywhere without someone to finish it. Many students think that they can simply get away with not doing the work, as they feel that their teachers understand that they are sick and don’t want to add pressure to them. While that may be true for some, others aren’t as forgiving, and so in the case of the latter, here is my guide to staying on top of schoolwork while stuck at home sick.

I think the best place to start is with Schoology, as it has almost all of the information you need to stay on top of your work. It keeps track of upcoming assignments, grades, classes, notes, and so much more. Starting with the assignments, if you feel well enough, make sure that you are doing all the assignments you can that are due each day you are absent. If it’s something like a quiz, and you can only access it at a certain time, make sure to email your teacher to let them know so when you get back, you can make-up the test yourself during lunch. 

Emailing your teacher is another way of making sure you’re staying on top of things. Always ask them what assignments they want you to do while you’re out, as to make sure you aren’t getting too far ahead for instance. If it’s a physical paper, try and see if you can find some way of obtaining it, like having a friend or sibling come by and picking it up, just make sure your teacher is okay with this beforehand. Something that’s important to keep in mind is that you are sick, so try not to overwork yourself all the time. Try to find a balance between working and resting your body, and don’t let one or the other consume all of your time.

No one’s perfect, so when you are no longer sick and are ready to come back, make sure to have discussions with your teachers on what else you might have missed while you were gone that was straight up impossible to do, such as the aforementioned tests and group projects as well. Always keep in mind that if your absence is an excused absence, you always have 5 days to make up your work, so if you are stressed you missed something, don’t panic! Always remember that there’s still time for you to turn in your work. Also ask if they offer extra credit so that you can possibly bring your grade up if you’re unable to make up certain assignments at all.  Remember that some teachers may not be as forgiving as others, so be prepared to get some answers that you aren’t really happy with.

Well that really covers everything. One last word of advice, if you are really sick, and I mean really, really sick, do yourself a favor and get lots of rest. I know this isn’t really related to school, but resting is the best way for your body to heal itself and get you back and ready for school again. I’m sure that all of your teachers and fellow students miss you while you are gone and want you to return, so get rest, drink lots of fluids, and rest easy knowing that you can keep up with school while you are home!