Being Prepared for Back to Class - Top Ten Tips

Starting school in the fall means several things - school work beginning, new classes, making friends and managing your time. No matter what grade you are in, having your day and schedule run smoothly will ensure a successful school year with less stress and more time to enjoy learning.

Top Ten Tips for a Great Year

Don't just assume a great year is going to fall into your lap. You have to work to make it happen. Whether you're already super organized or you like to procrastinate until the very last minute - the time to plan ahead is before school starts. Use specific strategies to help you not only stay afloat during the school year, but really thrive.

Get Plenty of Rest Having an adequate amount of sleep is imperative to a successful high school career. Students who tend to sleep less than eight hours a night may not be as awake or alert during the day. In addition to school work, if you plan to participate in after-school activities or sports, you will need to rest up to do your best.

Eat Breakfast and Lunch Always start your school days off with a healthy breakfast to get you through the day until lunch. If you are not a big breakfast eater, then consider eating a protein bar or smoothie to stave off hunger. If you tend to eat later in the morning, you may want to carry a small snack to munch on between classes before lunch. If you do not like the school lunch, you can pack lunch to take to school. This way you have exactly the kinds of foods you enjoy.

Keep Your Locker/Desk/Study Area Organized There are several types of locker organization systems available. Choose a shelving system that allows you to store your books and folders in an upright position. This will be especially helpful for when you are rushing to your locker between classes. In addition, hang a magnetic, dry erase board on the inside door to help you keep track of the day's to-do list.

Organize Classes with Binders Purchase color-coded binders to use for each class. This will not only help when you are looking in your locker for a specific class, but you can also store all the class notes in one area without mixing them up with another class. Choose binders with a clear front sleeve that allows you to display a weekly class calendar.

Talk with People There is no reason to be shy with new people. Whether you are returning to high school, or you are new, talk with the people around you. Look to your left and right, and meet the people on either side of your locker - they'll be there all year long. In addition to making friends, talking with people may help you with class work and trying out for sports.

Get Involved Look at the list of after school sports and clubs available to you. Pick something that interests you, and join the team. This not only looks good on your college resume, but it is a great way to meet people, exercise your brain or body and show your school spirit.

Attend Orientation or Other Learning Nights/Events Newbies should always attend school orientation. Even students who are going into their senior years will want to attend orientation. It is a great way to meet students, teachers and hear what is going on with the class.

Sit in Front Do not slink into the back row of a classroom because you will get called on more, and you may not hear everything the teacher has to say. Stick near the front or middle, unless you have assigned seats, for the best experience.

Create a Homework Area Assign a place at home that is your designated homework area. This area should be off-limits to anyone besides you during your designated homework time. Choose an area that is free of distractions, such as a desk in your room or dining room table, so you can concentrate on school work.

Prepare for the Next Day Lay out your clothes, books and other things you may need for the following day of school. If you pack your own lunch, consider doing it the night before to cut down on the morning rush.

Before the First Day Before heading out the first day of school, take a moment to breathe. Your high school years will fly past and soon you will be heading off to college. Take time to meet new people, participate in after school activities and study hard.

Good luck!

12th Grader College Prep Timeline - Fall 2013

I'm going to be a high school senior this year, what are somethings I need to do this fall semester as I prepare for college next year?

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

• Take full load of college prep courses
• Meet with school counselor or college advisor to review HS /college require
• Complete College Profile Packet Applications
• Narrow your list of colleges (8 to 10)
• Share your list of colleges with your parents, involve them in the process!
• Develop a calendar of application due dates for private/out-of-state schools
• Identify majors that most interest you!
• Re-take / REGISTER FOR SAT or ACT
• Create a list of whom you will ask to write letters and find out if HS has request process
• Create organization system for your college application materials
• Create professional e-mail address
• Mark calendar with dates/deadlines
• Continue participating in extra-curricular activities
• Make copies of EVERYTHING and file!
• Keep up your grades! Colleges do not accept D or F grades!

OCTOBER

• October 1st: Begin CSU application csumentor.edu
• Some private colleges require forms prior to application – submit if necessary Personal statement
• Request letters of recommendation forms
• Scholarship search and applications begin 
• Develop a calendar of application due dates for scholarships – apply!
• Male students applying for Financial Aid (FAFSA) must register with Selective Service - www.sss.gov
• Visit College Campuses & websites
• Attend College & Transfer Fairs

NOVEMBER

• Make a pact with a friend or two to help each other get through the college application process together!
• Keep up your grades! Colleges do not accept D or F grades!
• Nov 1st: Begin college applications
• Find 1-2 people to review Essays
• Send test scores to ALL universities or systems you applied to
• When you send final SAT or ACT test scores, all of your past test scores will be automatically sent Letters of recommendation
• Request letters of recommendation forms
• Remind recommenders of due dates 1-2 weeks prior Scholarships / Financial Aid
• Continue the Scholarship search
• Continue applying!

11th Graders College Prep Checklist - Fall 2013

I'm going to be a high school junior this year.  What can I do to prepare for college?

• Meet with counselor and other college resources available to discuss college plans
• Update your Graduation/Academic Plan
• Sign-up for credit recovery courses
• Create professional emails for college exploration purposes
• Continue exploring college exploration and planning tools online like those found on the collegeboard.com
• Make a file to manage your college planning data
• Register for the October PSAT
• Take on leadership roles the extracurricular activities you most care about
• Attend college fairs / meet with college reps
• Talk to your counselor about financial aid and college application deadlines

10th Graders College Checklist - Fall Semester

I'm going to be a sophmore in high school this fall, what can I do to prepare for college?

• Get to know your counselor and other college resources available
• Sign-up for credit recovery courses
• Create professional emails to use for all college exploration purposes
• Explore college exploration and planning tools online
• Talk with family members, counselors, teachers and mentors about their college experience
• Find peers that also want to go to college and help each other out!
• Explore your career interests via the career planning tools
• Register for the October PSAT
• Become more involved in extracurricular activities you most care about

9th Graders College Checklist - Fall Semester

What can I do this year as a high school freshman to prepare for college?

• Get to know your counselor and other college resources available
• Ask family, teachers and mentors about their college experience
• Find peers that also want to go to college and help each other out!
• Create professional email to use for all college exploration purposes
• Visit GenTX.org and explore its college planning resources
• Explore your interest and skills
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• READ as much as you can!  It will help you develop new ideas, build your vocabulary and help you become a better thinker.

You Can Go to College - Part I

We believe you can!

Did you know that for every 100 students in the United States who begin ninth grade, 67 of them will finish high school in four years, 38 will go to college, and only 18 will earn associate degrees within three years or bachelor’s degrees in six years!  So, are you asking yourself how we can turn the numbers around?  The teachers and staff in SBISD know that all students are capable of realizing their dreams, and we want you to believe that too. 

Do you believe that you can go to college?  If you answered no, think about why. 

Maybe it's finances, or maybe you don't feel like you can't leave your family to attend school.  Whatever the reason is, write it down.  Sometimes just identifying why you think you can't go to college is the first step in finding a way to turn that no into a yes.

Now that you've identified why you think you can't go to college, let's talk about finding solutions to those challenges.  What steps can you take today to help yourself, to not only graduation for high school, but go on to college and thrive?

Believe in yourself!

The first step is to believe that the dream of college is possible!  If you want to earn a two-year or four-year degree or technical certification, you can and will.  Think about your answers to the following questions:

• Who in your life do you turn to for advice, support or guidance?
• What is your least favorite thing about school?
• What is your most favorite thing about school?
• What do you wish was different about your education?

Now, think about your answers. 

First, know that everyone faces challenges in their life.  That's part of the journey and process and facing these challenges is how we grow.  It's normal to feel confused, stressed or even overwhelmed sometimes.  Just remember you are not alone and you have a wealth of resources you may not even realize you have.  Mentors, parents, teachers, peers, and other trusted adults in your life are great resources for advice, support and guidance.  Talk to them!  Make a point to take time to foster these relationships. 

Knowing Yourself = Finding the Best Choices

What do you like about school?  What do you find interesting or call your passion?  Maybe it's playing a musical instrument or painting.  Or, maybe you had a blast building a robot with your science class last school year.  By targeting your interests, you're defining what you're passionate about, and focusing on potential areas for your college and career goals.

Maybe you prefer hands-on labs or interactive projects verse research projects or class lectures. By thinking about what you like and don't like you can better define what will work for you as you progress on your education and career pathway.

The better you know yourself, your challenges and your resources, the more prepared you are to make sound choices about your future! 

It's never too early to start college prep!

Students in 8th grade will soon be leaving middle school and looking forward to a relaxing summer before they start high school in the Fall. The last thing on their minds will be looking beyond high school to college. But there are smart moves families can take this summer to make the college applications process go smoothly.

It may seem like a long way off, but, ask any Senior, time flies when you're having fun in high school! Summer is a time to relax, a time for fun. No one argues with that. But summer is also a great opportunity to find something that is both fun and can be a stepping-stone to the future.

Families should help students find at least one enjoyable activity during the summer vacation before high school. Experiment with a number of summertime activities This is a good summer to try a variety of activities. Take time to thoroughly explore each before moving on to the next.

Be creative. This is where you sow the seeds for an activity you can become proficient in over the next four years. If you are doing an activity you love already, stay the course. But this is also a great time to explore new things. For example, you might sign up for two or three weeks swimming classes, followed by a week or two at a summer camp.

Focus on what you love to do!  Whatever you do, make it something focused that can grow into a meaningful extra-curricular activity. When it comes time to fill out college applications your passion for a hobby or sport can make a big difference. Colleges love to see commitment in both your academic and non-academic pursuits.

This summer is a great time to focus on an activity like competitive swimming, horseback riding, ballet or volunteering. Enjoy the summertime without wasting the opportunity by sitting around the house.

Have a fun and productive summer!