6 Tips for Back-to-School Success

Summer is coming to an end, and a new school year is about to begin. Start off strong and be prepared by following these simple tips. 

 

1. Make a good first impression.

This is your chance to start off on the right foot, and you should start on Day One. If the first impression you give your new teachers is a positive one, they are more likely to cut you some slack if you mess up later on. However, if you come out of the gates poorly, it will be harder for you to change their opinions of you. The same applies for new friends and classmates. Be positive, friendly and approachable, and put your best self out there. 

2. Respect everyone.

Use the Golden Rule, and treat others the way you want to be treated. Respect your peers, teachers, the staff, and even your parents, because, if you treat them with respect, they will treat you with respect. 

3. Stay organized.

Have an organizational plan, so you can stay on top of things. Keep track of assignments, tasks, due dates and tests using to-do lists, agendas, special binders, calendars or even apps to set reminders and keep on track. Forgetting to turn in an assignment is a bad grade you easily can prevent. 

4. Don’t procrastinate. 

You know what it’s like waiting until the last minute to study for a test or start an assignment. It’s stressful, and your grades may suffer. Get in the habit of getting an early start, so you can get it over with, and enjoy the rest of the time you have − stress free! 

5. Get involved.

Most schools offer clubs, sports and extracurricular activities that cover a wide variety of interests. Getting involved is a great way to get to know the staff, and to find other students who share similar interests. You also will be interacting with teachers in a whole new way, getting to know them outside the classroom in a less formal setting. Whatever you’re interested in, you probably can find a club that you enjoy, and make new friends along the way. 

6. Ask for help when you need it. 

We all need a little help from time to time. When learning new materials and concepts, there may be things you don’t grasp right away. You could have problems with friends, at home, or with teachers. Don’t let things go until they’re out of hand. Asking for help is the smart thing to do, and you should never be embarrassed to seek it out. If you don’t ask, no one will know, and no one will be able to help. Whether it’s from your friends, parents, teachers, counselors or other staff members, don’t be too shy to seek advice. 

By Bryce Jones, contributing writer and a student at Woodstock Middle School.