It’s back to school and the fact of starting at a new school doesn’t help with the transition back into classes, homework and not being able to snack all day. Luckily, the Southwest Frontier is supplying the best First Day of School Survival Guide available. Just follow these 10 tips and the school routine will start to feel normal again.
The school is big and the classroom layout is new to all of us. Nobody is going to make fun of you for having your map right next to your schedule as you try to find your classes the first day. Use it until you feel comfortable with where you’re going.
2. Make new friends.
It’s a new year and a new beginning for everybody at Southwest. Lunch might seem a little scary since a lot of people are from different schools, but that’s the perfect time to meet new people and try to make connections.
3. Ask for directions if you need them.
Even if you follow rule number one and use a map, you still might get confused. The staff know the school layout and are happy to help anyone, from freshmen to seniors.
4. Put the cell phone away.
No teacher likes texting in class so keep the phone away to avoid dealing with angry teachers. The service inside the school is sketchy anyways and really isn’t worth the effort. Wait until after school to text.
5. Stay Organized.
One important tip for every year of high school is staying organized. Keep handouts from different classes in different folders. Keep a calendar of every assignment and write them down for the day they are due. This way, everything is written down and trying to remember all of your assignments at home becomes a thing of the past.
6. When playing ‘Get To Know You’ games in class, don’t state the obvious.
Avoid things such as ‘I love music,’ ‘I play football,’ or ‘I came from Blue Valley West.’ Say things that are unique to you like ‘I went to South Africa to watch the World Cup this summer,’ or ‘I play guitar and sing lead vocals in a band at my church.’ People will be interested to hear more about you.
7. Go over all of your summer work before you take the test in class.
Most of us have forgotten the basics of Anthem, Black Boy and our summer calculus packets. To keep from digging yourself a hole with the first assignment in the grade book, go over notes or skim the book again to refresh your memory.
8. Don’t speed on 179th Street.
The police have started patrolling the street now more than ever because Blue Valley Southwest is open and the amount of students that will be using 179th has gone up. Nobody wants to work extra hours to pay for a $150 speeding ticket. Just slow down and enjoy the drive to school.
9. Be yourself.
It’s high school, and for the freshmen, that means making an image for yourself. For the upperclassmen, it’s a chance to leave behind our image at our old schools and make a new one. Just be yourself and the new friends will come.
10. Embrace the Change.
Southwest is a new home to everybody. Enjoy the first year as Timberwolves.
Photo Idea: Angled shot of Southwest sign on Quivira probably late in the day for different lighting effect.
*Some things to think about*
1. Thank you for meeting the rough draft deadline! It’s obvious that you put a lot of work into this and it’s going to be great to have in the paper.
2. Be aware of the !’s and ‘you’s.’ I know it’s hard, especially for someone who has as much energy as you do – but we have to dial it down a bit when it’s not opinion writing.
3. Consider clarifying #9 – make a new image and don’t be somebody you’re not could easily be contradictory. I love the idea, though – I’ve already noticed a lot of future classmates acting fake when they meet each other at community meetings and things.
Thanks! -Annie