Welcome Back To School!

We hope everyone had a great summer! By now, you should be preparing for another year in high school. And for those new freshmen students, welcome to a new exciting part of your lives.

Feeling Good on Day One
Seeing friends you haven't seen in a while can make the first day a good one. You also can make the day feel special by wearing an outfit you like. Maybe you got a great T-shirt on vacation, or your new sneakers put a spring in your step. If you wear a uniform, you might wear a favorite watch or piece of jewelry to show your personal style.

It can make you feel good to be prepared and have all the supplies you need. Some schools distribute supply lists before the year begins, so you can come stocked up on pencils, folders, and whatever else you'll be needing. Once you've covered the basics, you might tuck an extra dollar or two in your backpack for an emergency (like forgetting your lunch money).

Whatever you put in your backpack, make sure you pack it the night before. This prevents the morning panic when you can't find your homework or lunch box. Speaking of lunch, that's something else that can help you feel good at school - whether it's the first day or the 100th day. Pack it the night before if you don't like what's on the menu at the cafeteria. Try to include a variety of foods in your packed lunch, especially fruits and vegetables.

Get Oriented
The first day of school is your first chance to find your way around a new school, or learn the pathways to new classes in your old school. It's a lot to learn in one day, so don't be surprised if you need a reminder or two.
It might help to write a few notes to yourself, so you'll remember the important stuff, like your locker combination and that lunch starts at 11:43, not 12:10. Before you know it, your fingers will fly as you open your locker and you won't have to check your notes to know what time lunch starts!

A Bad Start?
What if you hate school by the end of day one? Teachers recommend giving things some time to sort themselves out - once you know your way around the building and get adjusted to the new routine, you'll probably feel better. If those feelings don't fade, talk to your mom, dad, teacher, or school counselor.

Here are a few final tips for a fantastic first day:

Get enough sleep.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Try your best.

Develop good work habits, like writing down your assignments and turning in your homework on time.

Take your time with school work. If you don't understand something, ask the teacher.

Keep a sense of humor. One teacher we know shows his new students a picture of himself graduating high school - a grinning ape in a red graduation cap and gown. This usually makes the kids laugh, and it's a good way to remind them that school is fun!

Don't Feel Alone
There's always activities going on throughout the school year. Stay tuned to everything going on, you might find something that can interest you!

Make new friends and stay close to your old ones.

Can't think of ways to do either? You have plenty of options!

- The school bulletin usually has upcoming events posted.

- The school's website list many major events such as homecoming games, rallies, spirt days, class trips, dances, and theater shows.

- Networking Websites such as Facebook and Myspace. Yes, even ABC School Portraits has a Myspace! Information on senior portraits, school functions, dances, graduations, school and student foundation events, and more! Just another way to keep student informed on things happening at the school.