Even at a young age, I loved getting to shop for school supplies. Even though it meant that summer was coming to a close, there was always something so exciting about a fresh pair of pens and a shiny new binder! I’ll admit- not much has changed, but as I got older, I learned that it’s not all about the tools you have, but the strategies you use. 

There’s no doubt that along with all the shiny new school supplies, the start of the year can also be overwhelming. Students may worry about new teachers, new classes and sometimes even a new school. Parents may share those concerns and wonder how they can best support their child as they navigate their way through. All of these feelings are common and can be eased with the right strategies in place. 

As the Director of Skills & Academic Strategies and a college counselor, I’ve spent the majority of my professional career working with students on skill development, executive functioning, and effective learning strategies in both the K-12 and collegiate setting. With that in mind, I’ve curated a list of strategies to help you start the school year off right. 

1. Think Beyond the Grade

There is no one-size-fits-all student- everyone learns in different ways, so everyone's academic success is going to look different. Focus on the skills you are building: self-advocacy, time management, planning, and perseverance, to name a few. Recognize the progress you are making with these skills! By putting the work into building a strong foundation early using the other tips below, improved work quality and grades will follow. 

2. Establish a Routine Early

Routines are a great way to help stay engaged and focused while continuing to help you hone your skills. Are you more productive during the day? Make sure that your routine includes time before the evening to get work done. Does it help to study at the kitchen table? Make sure you are finding a space where you can be productive. Finding this consistency will help support you in the long run. 

3. Say it with Me… Use a Planner!

One of the best things to do at the start of the year is to organize yourself with a planner! Mark down important events and due dates to help hold you accountable. Planners are made in all different ways now, so there are many options for those who don’t necessarily want to use pen and paper. Find what works best for you- and if you need to try a few different ways, that’s okay!

4. Access Support & Advocate

You should know from the start that you aren’t on this journey alone- you have a whole team of teachers to support you along the way. Find out if there are times your teachers are accessible for extra- help (I promise, they love when students come by questions), email teachers, or connect with other students in your class. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it shows that you can advocate for yourself and what you need to find success. 

5. Find Your Fun

School isn’t all about academics, so make sure that as you’re starting the year, you prioritize yourself as well. Join a club, participate in theatre, try out for a sports team- find something that brings you joy and helps build community. You’d be surprised at how much more motivated you might feel academically when you can find that balance. 

The school year can feel like a marathon, and it's important to make sure you don't stumble through the starting line! By focusing on growth over grades, building supportive routines, staying organized, seeking help when you need it, and making time for what brings you joy, you're not just preparing for academic success, you're developing life skills that will serve you long after graduation. The year ahead is yours to shape. Make it count.