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