Making A Strong Start
As Labor Day weekend winds down, marking the official end of summer, we are bombarded with the reminders that school is starting again. For some, the return to school brings excitement, while for others, anxiety. And for many, there is a confluence of emotions: anticipation, excitement and nerves all meet as the school year begins. Parents may notice their child being a bit out of sorts as they wrestle with these emotions. And students may find their parents are more sentimental as they mark the passage of time.
Regardless of how students are feeling about school, the fundamentals of a successful start to the year remain the same. Organize yourself: whether that is having the correct supplies or settling into your dorm room, being organized will help you hit the ground running. Read over any syllabi or class info provided so that you know what to expect during the months ahead. Know who your teachers are and how to reach them and make sure you have a buddy in each class, someone you can text if you are sick. Most importantly, stay on top of the work from day one, and at the first signs of struggle, take action, whether that is getting a tutor, seeking out school support services, or talking to your teacher/professor.
Alongside all of this, students should consider how they are deepening their engagement with their new grade/classes. For middle schoolers, this may mean becoming more independent in their work. Students may decide to take advantage of additional resources when they hit bumps in the road without an adult making the suggestion. In high school, students may be exploring leadership roles both in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. At the college level, this may mean taking advantage of office hours, doing supplementary reading, or forming study groups in challenging classes.
Finally, with all of these adjustments the new school year brings, it's important to recharge on the weekends. Catch up on sleep as you adjust to a new schedule. Organize yourself for the week ahead. Get a jumpstart on your work to make the weekdays easier. Spend time outside and connect with friends. All of this will help make the work week easier.
Good luck to all of our students as they start this next chapter! And as always, feel free to reach out to us at any point. We are here to help.