A smooth transition from summer days to a school routine is very important for you and your child’s education. Here are some tips on how to have a successful school year:
START STRONG!
- Go into the first marking period with high goals and expectations for yourself.
- Set a plan for staying after school so you can get individual assistance, if needed.
- Schedule homework and study time. Study a little bit every night, even when you don’t have homework. You can always review your notes or go on the teacher’s website.
- Understand that the work gets harder and the work-load increases.
- Be honest with yourself, your parents and your teachers about how you are feeling about the workload and your adjustment. Help is there, but you need to seek it out!
GET ADEQUATE REST! According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) most teens need 9-plus hours nightly to have optimal sleep. The NSF poll data indicate that most teens fall short of this goal, many by a considerable amount. Hop into bed at a decent hour, turn off all electronics and get your much needed rest.
MAKE GOOD CHOICES! Friendships and choices of what teens do in their free time start to change in high school. Stick to your values and remember your goals for the future, what you do in high school WILL impact your future.
GET INVOLVED! There are so many choices of activities and sports in high school. Review the choices early and set up goals and plans for how to get involved and stay involved. Check out ASK’s Youth Court Program.
VOLUNTEER! Involvement in community service and your community in a positive manner reinforces positive self esteem and builds self confidence, allows you to learn new skills and meet new people. All of which serves you lifelong! ASK always has opportunities available for all. Check them out!
Help! If you are feeling stressed or having a hard time, don’t be ashamed to seek help. There are many resources available to you. Talk to a trusted adult, or use one of the following resources:
- Community Resource Guide. This directory will allow you to make connections to every sector of your community, to current information about substance abuse and mental health and to resources and hotlines for immediate help.
- Hotlines. There is always someone out there ready to help, 24/7. View this list of hotlines, sorted by topic.
- Local Support Groups. You are not alone. There are other people in our community going through similar situations.
