Editor applies annual advice to extraordinary circumstances

Rachel Sapola

No matter how many first days of school you have, the start of a new school year is always filled with excitement and anticipation. This year is no exception.

The back-to-school season can come with some additional apprehensions, especially amidst a particularly atypical year; luckily, there are some ways to ensure a successful start to the school year.

Since masks will be mandatory for all students due to COVID-19 precautions, make sure that your mask is comfortable to wear for an extended amount of time.

A mask that’s not too tight around your ears or that can tie behind your head will be the most comfortable to wear for the whole school day. This way, it shouldn’t distract you from doing your best work in class. Having a backup mask in your bookbag will also guarantee that you stay protected in case your mask gets dirty or damaged.

For online students, it can be helpful to change up your workplace from time to time, just like you would at school in person. This could include joining your online classes from your room, kitchen, living room, or even outside. Also, try to take advantage of the extended class changes by stretching your legs or getting a drink of water; this will help you to get up and moving to stay engaged in your classes.

It’s been a long time since we’ve been in school, so it’s extra important to be prepared this year. Keeping either a paper or an online planner will be particularly helpful for staying organized and keeping track of your schoolwork.

Make sure your bookbag is organized so you know where all of your supplies are and have your new class schedule readily available to allow for a smoother transition back into the school year. Staying organized will be especially helpful with the new supplies that could accompany you this year, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

It’s also likely that quarantining this spring and summer affected your sleep schedule, so by going to sleep early and getting back into a normal routine early in the school year, you can ensure that you feel rested and relaxed throughout the school day. Being prepared for the new school year will ultimately allow you to achieve your fullest potential as a student.

For incoming ninth graders, starting high school can feel intimidating, but there’s no need to worry; there are many ways to make the transition to high school a successful one. First, try to practice managing your time both in and out of school. One way to do this is by outlining a plan for your work so it gets done effectively and efficiently.

When you can, be an active participant in your classes by answering questions, helping others, and taking concise but practical notes. Meet new people by getting involved in clubs and extracurriculars that pique your interest. Finally, be patient with yourself; this is a new and unprecedented time for us all, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or take a break when you need it.

While the school year might look a little different to us now, there are many means of preparing ourselves for success, in addition to the safety precautions we’ve become so accustomed to in the past few months. There’s no doubt that this year will be an eventful one, so it’s up to each student to make it our best one yet.