Back to School Tips

About two weeks before the first day of school start getting up at the time that you will have to get up to get to school. This will make it easier to adjust to being alert and mentally ready when the first bell rings.

If you are going to a new school for the first time, ask the school if you can spend an hour or so learning your way around. This way you will not be lost and late for your classes. You can also ask for a map so that you can at least learn where some of the more common places are such as the gym, cafeteria and main office are.

Have your book bag packed and ready to go so that you are not trying to find all of your notebooks, pens, pencils and paper as you are rushing to meet the bus. It’s actually a good habit to start and keep.

Pick out what you are going to wear the night before and have it laid out. Also, if you have gotten new shoes for the school year, wear them around the house for a few days so that you can break them in. There is nothing worse then having blisters at the end of the first day because of new shoes.

Get organized and stay organized. Have a calendar or day planner where you can write down everything you need to remember. Write down dates of important tests, due dates for assignments, dates and times for practice and games for what ever sports you child plays.

Have a morning bathroom schedule. If you have multiple children, or just one highschooler that takes a very long time, it’s best to have a schedule so that everyone gets their time to do what needs to be done. A useful tool is a timer so that everyone gets equal time.

Many stores will start their "Back to School" shortly after Independence Day. Take advantage of these sales to stock up on supplies you may need later in the year.

If you take part in an extra-curricular sport or activity (such as band or cheerleading), you may have mandatory summer practices or meetings. Make sure you attend these if you are required to do so, and if they interfere with a planned vacation, ask a coach or teacher if there is any way around this (such as providing a written excuse for absence).

If you will be attending a new school in the fall, it is very likely that the new school will hold some form of orientation for new students. If so, you should be notified of it by the school itself several weeks beforehand. If not, contact the school. Even if there is not a formal orientation there should be somebody available who will assist you in scheduling some sort of walk-through before you begin.

Make sure you have your transportation lined up to and from school. If you are going to walk to your school, make sure you know the way. If you are being dropped off at school by a parent, make sure you know what time you'll be picked up afterwards. If you take a school bus, be aware as to which bus you take and where your bus stop is located. If you are old enough and will be driving yourself to school, make a "dry run" one morning before school begins at the time you would ordinarily be leaving to make sure you've given yourself enough time to arrive without being late.

Even as a college student, I still experience a case of the "jitters" on the first day of school - the anxiety of new faces, a new routine, and a bow-out from a long summer can really put your stomach in a knot. By having a positive attitude and coming fully prepared, you can tackle any worries - make sure you have all necessary books and supplies. Remind yourself that you endured the year before! And if you struggled in any areas, consider this year as a perfect opportunity to start a clean slate academically and socially.