Back to School Survival Guide from A to Z

The school year is fast approaching and with the past year having been virtual, many students might need a little extra guidance on getting back into the swing of things. It’s time to take back to school prep to the next level. Follow our A-Z back to school survival guide to ensure you’re ready for whatever this semester has in store.   A - AgendaKeep track of daily and weekly assignment due dates in your agenda to avoid missing deadlines and having points taken off.B - Backpack EssentialsSome school days will feel very long, so you’ll want to come prepared. Make sure you have all necessary supplies for your classes - a snack, water bottle, headphones, mask, a jacket, possibly an umbrella depending on the weather, and your phone and phone charger in case you need them throughout the day.C - CalendarYour entire routine is about to change, so consider purchasing a dry erase calendar for your room! This will help you to prioritize and keep track of your school engagements, plus outside of school activities; like sports, events, etc.D - DeskReady your desk at home for homework hours! Gather all necessary supplies and set yourself up a neat and organized desk area. The more organized your homework/study space is, the more likely you will use it productively.E - ElectivesTake advantage of school electives and enroll in something you really enjoy! Most schools require 2-4 electives to graduate so why not take something fun, like yoga or home economics?F - FlashcardsUse index cards for exam prep! Flash card decks are great for helping you understand and memorize the course material. Once you’ve gotten the same card correct more than twice, take it out of the deck.G - Guidance CounselorSchool can be overwhelming in the beginning weeks, so it’s always a good idea to meet with your Guidance Counselor/Advisor. They can help you pick or switch classes based on your interests, help set your goals, help apply to colleges, and provide guidance if you are feeling stressed.H - HighlightingTextbooks contain a lot of information, sometimes more than you need to know for your class. Read over the pages, then go back and highlight the key points to help you better prepare for quizzes and tests.I - InternshipsConnections and experiences you make through internships will help you launch your career and build your resume.J - Job BoardsThe student center or office at your school probably has a bulletin board with local job postings if you’re looking to make some extra cash or build up  your resume.K - KeyboardYou’re going to be doing a lot of typing pretty soon! Make sure your laptop/computer is up to date with the latest software and you have Microsoft Office or an alternative system installed and ready to go for all of your papers, powerpoints, and projects.L - LibraryGet familiar with your school or local library. Many classes require primary sources for essays and projects that you will need to cite from books in order to complete the assignment.M - MapTo avoid getting lost on your first day, map out your route to and from classes. It’s a good idea to actually walk them before your first day so you know exactly where you’re going and how much time it takes to get there.N - Note TakingTaking notes by hand helps you process and information and increases  your ability to recall  key discussion points. Find out which note-taking method works best for your understanding of the material here. O - OrientationWhether you have an official orientation (college freshmen) or just a “back to school” assembly- make sure you attend and listen intently. This year in particular, there will be new rules and protocols to keep all students healthy and safe.P - Pens/PencilsHave a pen and pencil ready. We know, this seems obvious- but there’s always someone asking to borrow something to write with on the first day. Don’t let it be you!Q - QuizQuizzes sometimes are a surprise, which means you don’t get any study time. To ensure you are ready for any pop quiz, study your work throughout the semester. Reference your flashcards and notes from class to ensure yourself  high marks!R - RelaxThis is super important! School can be hectic, and while it’s very important to get good grades, your mental health is just as important. Schedule self care breaks often to treat yourself for working so hard. S - SyllabusKeep your class’  syllabi somewhere safe where you can easily reference later in the semester. They come in handy when you’re unsure of an assignment or class protocol.T - Theme PartySchool isn’t just about learning- it’s also a great place to make friends. Consider throwing a party to celebrate the end of summer with your classmates. Any reason to celebrate is good enough for us. U - UniversityStart thinking about what college you might want to attend and do your research. If you’re already in college, consider thinking about other schools if you’re interested in getting your Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Doctorate degree. It’s never too early to start looking.V - VaccinationsMany colleges require you to be fully vaccinated before living on campus, so make sure to look up your schools protocols before move-in day.W - WallDecorate a wall in your room with a school calendar, photos of friends, school mascot posters, etc. to get festive for the new school year.X - “Xtra”CreditTake advantage of extra credit opportunities whenever you get them. It just might be the difference between a B and an A!Y - YearbookTake time to take pictures and make lasting memories while you’re in school. Even if you don’t buy an official yearbook, you can use your social media accounts as your own personal yearbook- documenting all the exciting things that happen during the school year. For example, football games, homecoming, prom, spirit week, field trips, graduation etc.Z - Zzzz’sRemember to get those 8 hours every night! They are super important for productivity during the school day. If you’re having trouble falling asleep earlier, try to not use your phone before bed. Electronic light stimulates your brain and keeps you awake longer.     Source

MORE

Is Your Home Fire Safe for Your Pet?

National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15th is the perfect time to make sure your home’s fire safety plan includes getting your pets to safety, as well as the people, in the event of a fire. Taking preventable measures can protect your home, your family, and your pets in an emergency situation. Many times our pets are the cause of a fire when we don’t take these precautions.   PET FIRE SAFETY TIPS: Extinguish open flames. Wagging tails and curious kitties can haphazardly knock over candles. Consider using flameless candles. Remove knobs from the stove when not in use. Dogs may jump on the stove and accidentally turn a knob with their paw without anyone realizing it. Use plastic or metal water bowls, not glass for outside. Glass can actually heat up from the sun to the point of starting a fire. Keep leashes, collars, cages, and carriers close to the exit(s) on your fire escape route plan. That way you have a better chance of grabbing them as you exit the home with your animal. Garage’s tend to be a good spot. Fire can happen when you aren’t home to rescue your pet- so you need to have a plan just in case this happens: First, take them to a kennel or family member’s if you plan to be gone for an extended period of time. If you don’t have that option, or aren’t going to be gone long, then make sure your pets are secured in the main living area- this is where firefighters will look for them first (or that you have fire alert window clings, see next). Purchase and place fire alert window clings to help firefighters identify how many pets are in the home and the rooms they may be residing in (if your pooch prefers your bedroom to hang out in, cling it to your bedroom window- because it is likely that’s where they will be). Put your phone number on them as well. Determine which family member is responsible for which pet in the event of a fire. Go over these plans and practice getting you and your pets out of your home to safety! Source

MORE