Skip to main content

Tips from Teachers: Starting the new school year off on the right foot!



Now that we are a week into the new school year and students have figured out the basics (how to get into their locker, where their homeroom is, and the quickest way to the cafeteria at lunchtime), it’s a great time to think about ways to make the new year a successful one. A new school year is a great time for a fresh approach to attitudes about school work or even interacting with others.

Organization is key!

For some students, the range of courses, teachers, and expectations in high school can be overwhelming. Staying organized with a planner is key to keeping track of projects and due dates. Using a paper calendar can be helpful, as the act of writing something down actually helps you remember what you wrote! For others, transferring assignments to an online calendar is helpful since you can set reminders to alert you when a due date is approaching.

Be the kind kid

Whether it’s the simple act of saying hello as you pass people in the halls, inviting someone to sit with you in the cafeteria, or holding the door for someone, being kind to others is always important, but it’s also a really great motto to adopt for the start of a new school year. With new students coming in each year, there will always be at least a few students who are feeling a little apprehensive. A kind and friendly encounter may be just the thing that helps someone to feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

A new year may bring new teachers and subject areas to a student’s schedule. And a new school means meeting new people from different areas and backgrounds. Remembering to keep and open mind and being respectful can make a big difference in how you are perceived and how you perceive others. Taking a moment to consider things from another’s perspective can help students to understand ideas and people in a different way.

We asked the OLSH faculty to share their advice for students on how to start the new school year on the right foot! Here are just a few of our favorite suggestions:

"Take each day as it comes. Looking at the bigger picture by quarter, semester, or end of year can be overwhelming. Be prepared for tomorrow and you will succeed!" –Mrs. Erica Hollabaugh ‘04, English

"1. Pay attention the first time...your teacher shouldn't have to repeat something just for you
2. Follow the rules...you are one-of-a-kind but the rules DO apply to you
3. Have fun...your day-to-day routine is what you make of it
4. Be friendly...say "HELLO" to people you see and answer politely when someone speaks to you."
-Mrs. Maureen Steuernagel, English

"Smile, a little kindness goes a long way!" – Mrs. Amy Turnbull, Spanish

"Remember to stay open-minded and open to making new friends. Be yourself and don't be afraid to make the first move to meet a new classmate! If they seem like someone you'd like to get to know - do it!" - Mrs. Cheryl Karashin, Advancement

 "Take it one day at a time. You will not solve every issue and puzzle your first week, but instead enjoy the new friends and faces while you figure things out at your own pace."  - Mr. Tyler Rodgers, English

"Get involved with something -- anything! -- right away, because it is the easiest way to make new friends and explore your gifts and talents. These activities are the things that make your school experience memorable!" -Mrs. Jessica Sellman ‘02, Admissions

"Be Prompt, Prepared and Polite."  -Mr. Jeff Hulbert, Social Studies/Mission Leader

Key Takeaway

Use a new school year as a way to start fresh, whether it’s with school-work habits or your attitude, being prepared and keeping an open mind, and always remembering to be kind!

About the Author

Jessica Cerchiaro is the Director of Marketing & Communications at OLSH. She has been at the school for 15 years, first serving as an academic mentor. She is married to a proud OLSH alum (Michael '96) and is the mother of four future OLSH Chargers.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Affording a Catholic high school education: How we help parents make it possible at OLSH

Making the transition to Catholic high school is a big step. Parents are preparing their children for new buildings, new teachers, new opportunities, and making new friends. On top of that, parents may be feeling anxiety as they watch their children move on to the next step in their educational journey – and may be feeling overwhelmed by their upcoming tuition payments. Frequently we have found that tuition for Catholic high school is much higher than what families are paying for Catholic elementary school. Regardless of a family’s financial situation, paying for Catholic education involves some level of sacrifice. As the cost to educate increases, schools and parents must work together to make it possible for students to receive a quality education rooted in faith and values. At OLSH, we believe an investment in an OLSH education is an investment in your child’s future. And we work diligently to ensure that an OLSH education is accessible to any qualified student who seeks it....
Post a Comment
Read more

Musings on the First Few Days: a reflection from an OLSH teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic

As part of a series during OLSH’s closure for the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the OLSH community have been invited to share reflections on their experiences. Today's reflection comes from theology teacher Mrs. Nancy Jarocki. I have been musing all day about my students. I miss them! There have been plenty of emails back and forth about school work. That’s a good thing but I miss the banter before and after class and even some of the more crazy things they say and do. I have been grading current events for seniors and, as you can imagine, most of them had something to do with the coronavirus. The students were so honest in their reflections about how frightened they are of all of this. The panic buying makes them wonder if they should be concerned about the food chain, they know enough to realize that prom is probably off the table and are wondering if graduation may be too. Some of them have personal health worries or worry about their parents who are healthcare workers or ...
Post a Comment
Read more