Six tips, tricks and things to remember before school starts

In one week, thousands of students will be back on campus and back in the classroom. For some of them, it has been close to a year since they have stepped foot on campus. This year could be filled with anxiety for students and parents alike. So, here’s some advice from Churchill High School Student Teacher Assistance Network (STAN) counselor Kathy Johnson.

Students:

• Start getting prepared for school by getting in a routine. Start waking up early so your body will get used to the school schedule.
• Buy your school supplies, backpack, lunch box, clothes ahead of time so you can start to get organized and mentally prepared.
• Attend meet the teacher, prep days, tours, and other events at the school to feel more comfortable. 

• Reach out to other kids you know who will be going back to school. 

• If you are feeling anxious about school, start to write down in a journal things you are worried about.  
  ex….”I am worried about meeting friends”,  
  • “I am worried I am behind in school.” 
  • “I am worried I won’t find my classes.”        

• Try to write positive statements down next to the worries. 
  • “I remember I felt this way when I went to 6^thgrade and I made lots of friends…”
  • “I know the teachers will help me if I am behind in math.”
  • “I can ask a staff member to help me if I feeling overwhelmed.” 

• If you are feeling very anxious or overwhelmed, contact the school counselor to arrange a time to come up with a plan. 

Parents:

• Be supportive and positive. Your feelings and anxiety can trickle down to your kids
• Talk to your kids about how they feel about the upcoming school year. Ask them to rate their feelings on a scale from 1 to 10.
• If you student has worries, make a plan on how to deal with those feelings.
• Visit the school with your child and help them get comfortable with the layout.
• Reach out to your student’s counselor. They are here to help.

We have all been through this together so we understand this might not be easy. But we will get through this together by being supportive and encouraging.

“We all get nervous,” added Johnson. “Once you get there though, you will get through it.”