Back To The Books
Hello everyone, I hope we’ve all had a great summer and enjoyed our time off. As the time approaches for us to make our way back to the classroom and get back to the books, I would like to outline some points that would be helpful for students when approaching this new school year.
1. Set Goals
The new school year presents us with a time to reflect on the previous year; what went well, where could I have performed better, and what do I want to do differently this year? After reflecting on these questions we can set goals for ourselves for the upcoming year. Think about what kind of academic goals that you would like to set for yourself, but also know that your goals are not exclusive to the academic world. You may set goals for mastering a new subject, mastering a new skill, joining a new club, or various other personal goals. No matter the goal, the most important part is to remember that not all goals need to be monumental changes. Small improvements are improvements nonetheless. It is always better to be walking at a steady pace than standing still, not every race is a sprint.
2. Organizing Your Time
Time management is crucial for your success within the school environment. Before starting the school year, take a look at your schedule and think about what will change. Will you need to wake up earlier? How can you schedule your activities around your school schedule? How will you divide this time between your studies and your personal life? The use of a personal planner, whether digital or physical, will help you make sure to make the most of your time without impacting your academic and personal life. You can also check out this article from Harvard University for more specific tips about how a student can organize their time.
3. Build a Support System
Having a strong support system is key to a successful school year. This includes not just friends, but also teachers, counselors, and family members. As the year approaches, think about who you can turn to for help, advice, or just a listening ear. Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers if you need extra help or to talk to a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Building relationships with supportive people can make a big difference in your academic and emotional well-being.
4. Get Involved
School is more than just academics; think about how you can get more involved. Joining a club or taking part in more extracurricular activities can help you foster more friendships, build new skills, and help us all foster a more connected academic environment. Help plan an event, go watch your classmates compete at their sporting events, or go watch the school’s annual Christmas concert. This tip not only applies to students but also to parents. Parental involvement in a child’s education is beneficial to everyone involved; parents, students, and teachers. Let us work together to promote student learning and a great school environment. Building our environment here can lead to countless numbers of positives and can be a nice break from hitting the books.
5. Adopt a Growth Mindset
A new school year brings new challenges, and it’s easy to feel discouraged when things get tough. But adopting a growth mindset—believing that you can improve and learn through effort and perseverance—can help you overcome obstacles. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good at this,” try thinking, “I’m not good at this yet.” Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
The new school year is a chance to start fresh, to build on what you’ve learned, and to set yourself up for success. By setting goals, organizing your time, and preparing both mentally and physically, you can make this school year your best one yet. So, as the summer days fade, take some time to think about the year ahead and how you can make the most of it. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll be ready to get back to the books.
