Based on the work of Behavioural Specialist Teresa Dana

Beginning high school is an exciting time, filled with many new learning’s. It is also a challenging experience, when your world can become more complex. Your schedule, workload and friendships become more enhanced. To adjust to this transition, it helps to be prepared. Here are some useful tips:

1st Day at School

• If you are permitted, tour your school in the summer hours, getting your schedule, and familiarizing yourself with the physical layout (classrooms,  bathrooms, timing getting from one class to another).
• know your school & schedule
• practice opening combination lock (during the summer)
• be friendly
• keep your schedule handy (in locker, pocket, home & binder)

Getting Along with Others

• What people think about you is based on how you take care of yourself & what you think, say and do.
• be aware of what you wear
• have good personal hygiene habits
• communicate clearly
• be positive
• be courteous to teachers, as your relationship with them is key

Hallway Rules
Unlike elementary school, there is increased high traffic in hallways.

• stay clear of hallway traffic when you stop to talk to friends
• if you bump into others by mistake, say you are sorry

Making New Friends
You will meet many new people who will act as your support system, sticking up for you when difficulties arise.

• be friendly & ask questions
• introduce yourself to peers who have lockers by yours or sit next to you in class
• join extracurricular activities, as you’ll met friends with similar interests
• be supportive & compromise with friends

Paying Attention

• go to class prepared
• focus on the teacher talking
• be aware of distractions that you are doing that are getting in the way of focusing
• sit in the front of class
• participate & take notes
• ask for help when needed

Staying Organized
Good organizational habits are crucial for academic success

• clean out locker once a month
• put loose papers in proper folders
• have 2 folders for handouts & homework
• have different coloured folders for each subject

Dealing with Bullying, Teasing and Meaness
Most people you meet will be kind, but some may tease and bully. No one should be afraid to be at school. Get help if you are experiencing a bully.

• avoid isolated parts of the school
• try to be with one or groups of classmates, not alone
• sometimes it’s best to ignore the bully, but if you need help, always report incidents to teachers & your parents

Cafeteria
A wonderful  place to socialize, but it can be noisy and crowded.

• sit with friends or people you know are friendly
• learn lunchtime routine (how order food)
• use good table manners
• if you have no one to sit with, speak to your guidance counsellor  for assistance.

Homework Tips
Homework is increased in high school, so it is important that you don’t fall behind.

• write down all assignments in your daily planner
• bring home all homework material
• set up a homework area with necessary supplies
• set a routine (daily time) for  homework
• have a calendar at the workspace
• break down long term projects
• study material over a few nights rather than cram
• do more difficult subjects first
• hand in homework on time

In high school, you will experience many fun and exciting moments. As well, you will  also be faced with some challenging ones. We all go through it, as it’s part of growing up. It is important to  find people you trust, to give you advice along the way. They will help you make positive choices and discover new possibilities.