| It's school time again! You're probably | | | | up on pencils, folders, and whatever |
| feeling excited and maybe a little sad | | | | else you'll be needing. Once you've |
| that summer is over. Some kids feel | | | | covered the basics, you might tuck an |
| nervous or a little scared on the first | | | | extra dollar or two in your backpack for |
| day of school because of all the new | | | | an emergency (like forgetting your lunch |
| things: new teachers, new friends, and | | | | money). Or maybe you'd like to bring |
| maybe even a new school. Luckily, these | | | | along a book or magazine to read while |
| "new" worries only stick around for a | | | | you're on the bus. |
| little while. Let's find out more about | | | | Whatever you put in your backpack, make |
| going back to school. | | | | sure you pack it the night before. This |
| The First Day | | | | prevents the morning panic when you |
| Most teachers kick off the school year | | | | can't find your homework or lunch box. |
| by introducing themselves and talking | | | | Speaking of lunch, that's something else |
| about all the stuff you'll be doing that | | | | that can help you feel good at school - |
| year. Some teachers give students a | | | | whether it's the first day or the 100th |
| chance to tell something about | | | | day. Pack it the night before if you |
| themselves to the rest of the class. | | | | don't like what's on the menu at the |
| When teachers do the talking on the | | | | cafeteria. Try to include a variety of |
| first day, they often go over classroom | | | | foods in your packed lunch, especially |
| rules so you'll know what's allowed and | | | | fruits and vegetables. |
| what's not. Pay close attention so | | | | Get Oriented |
| you'll know if you need to raise your | | | | The first day of school is your first |
| hand to ask a question and what the | | | | chance to find your way around a new |
| rules are about visiting the restroom. | | | | school, or learn the pathways to new |
| You might already know a lot of people | | | | classes in your old school. It's a lot |
| in your classes on the first day. But | | | | to learn in one day, so don't be |
| it's a great day to make a new friend, | | | | surprised if you need a reminder or two. |
| so try to say hello to kids you know and | | | | It might help to write a few notes to |
| new ones that you don't. Make the first | | | | yourself, so you'll remember the |
| move and you'll be glad you did and so | | | | important stuff, like your locker |
| will your new friend! | | | | combination and that lunch starts at |
| Moving to Middle School? | | | | 11:43, not 12:10. Before you know it, |
| Sixth grade often signals a move to | | | | your fingers will fly as you open your |
| middle school or junior high, where | | | | locker and you won't have to check your |
| you'll find lockers and maybe a | | | | notes to know what time lunch starts! |
| homeroom. This is just what it sounds | | | | A Bad Start? |
| like - a classroom you'll go to each | | | | What if you hate school by the end of |
| morning, kind of like your home in the | | | | day one? Teachers recommend giving |
| school. In middle school, you might move | | | | things some time to sort themselves out |
| from classroom to classroom for each | | | | - once you know your way around the |
| subject. Your teachers know that this is | | | | building and get adjusted to the new |
| a big change from elementary school and | | | | routine, you'll probably feel better. If |
| will help you adjust. | | | | those feelings don't fade, talk to your |
| Most teachers let you pick your own seat | | | | mom, dad, teacher, or school counselor. |
| on the first day, but by the second or | | | | Here are a few final tips for a |
| third morning, they'll have mapped out a | | | | fantastic first day: |
| seating plan. It's a good idea to write | | | | Get enough sleep. |
| down where your seat is in your notebook | | | | Eat a healthy breakfast. |
| so you don't forget. | | | | Try your best. |
| Feeling Good on Day One | | | | Develop good work habits, like writing |
| Seeing friends you haven't seen in a | | | | down your assignments and turning in |
| while can make the first day a good one. | | | | your homework on time. |
| You also can make the day feel special | | | | Take your time with school work. If you |
| by wearing an outfit you like. Maybe you | | | | don't understand something, ask the |
| got a great T-shirt on vacation, or your | | | | teacher. |
| new sneakers put a spring in your step. | | | | Keep a sense of humor. One teacher we |
| If you wear a uniform, you might wear a | | | | know shows his new students a picture of |
| favorite watch or piece of jewelry to | | | | himself graduating high school - a |
| show your personal style. | | | | grinning ape in a red graduation cap and |
| It can make you feel good to be prepared | | | | gown. This usually makes the kids laugh, |
| and have all the supplies you need. Some | | | | and it's a good way to remind them that |
| schools distribute supply lists before | | | | school is fun! |
| the year begins, so you can come stocked | | | | |