With Labor Day behind us, the new school year is in full swing. Each new school year brings a fresh start for students, making it an ideal time to implement effective routines and set goals for a successful year. Maybe this is the year you pick up a new sport or extracurricular activity. Or, perhaps this is the year you decide to start planning your transition from high school into the workforce. Regardless of your aspirations, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Keep reading as we give you our top ways to take on the new school year confidently.

Establish Goals

As you dive into the new year, take advantage of this fresh beginning! Make a list of goals you want to reach by the end of the school year and use them as a reminder to push through when things get difficult. If you need some ideas to get your list started, these are a few educational goals from Indeed to steer you in the right direction:

• Think positive and stay focused
• Stay resilient
• Make time to read
• Manage your time
• Find time to relax
• Strive for excellence
• Build a strong network
• Build good study habits
• Attend seminars or training
• Develop patience to achieve your goals

Get Organized

The best way to start the school year on a positive note is by establishing a consistent routine. First things first: buy a planner and make it your best friend. Scheduling out your homework, extracurricular activities and other plans ensures you can adequately manage your time and avoid spreading yourself too thin. Remember: small habits lead to significant results. Developing a consistent routine early on is critical to a successful year and will help build organizational skills needed throughout your life.

Create a System – The easiest way to rock the new year is by creating a system that works for you. Now is the time to experiment with different routines and see what sticks with you the most. Here are some examples to incorporate into your routine:

• Make a daily to-do list to prioritize tasks and promote better time management.
• Color-code materials based on the subject so nothing falls between the cracks.
• Give yourself deadlines ahead of the actual due date to reduce last-minute stress.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule for at least eight hours every night.
• Designate a distraction-free zone for studying and homework.
• Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast every morning.
• Pack your backpack and plan your outfit the night before.

Lunch Meal Planning – School lunch or packed lunch? This depends mainly on each individual’s diet and preferences. For those who opt for school lunch, the USDA offers information on applying for free and reduced-price school meals based on specific eligibility guidelines. If you plan on taking lunch from home, figuring out what to make can quickly become the most difficult decision of your morning. The best way to tackle this is by setting aside time to plan your meals at the beginning of the week. The Sweet Peas and Saffron food blog provides 25 lunch meal prep ideas that are quick, healthy and delicious, perfect to refuel during your school day.

Review IEP – An IEP is an Individualized Education Program developed for public school students with a disability and who are eligible for special education. This written document summarizes how an education program should be designed to meet the needs of each individual while ensuring necessary support. It is essential to review your IEP and update it as needed at the beginning of the year to maximize your learning experience.

Think Ahead

While thinking about your future might seem a little scary at first, planning gives you a sense of control and the opportunity to envision what you want your future to feel like. Maybe you don’t know exactly which career field you see yourself in, but you have skills and interests that bring out a sense of happiness and fulfillment within you. This is the perfect starting point to determine what jobs you enjoy most. Didlake offers support for students with disabilities through programs that tap into each person’s specific skills and interests to help them thrive as they transition from school to work. Learn more in this blog post and on our website.

Strike a Balance

Academics are important, but it is just as essential to maintain a balance between school and your personal life. The good thing is school offers many opportunities to do just that. Teachers and counselors are great resources for finding out what clubs and sports your school offers; additionally, research community events in your local area.

Remember that no matter how challenging this school year may seem, you have made it through before and will make it through again—with even more knowledge to succeed! Make this year your own and embrace all that high school offers, leaning into your community for support. Discover more on how Didlake can help you navigate your transition from high school into the workforce by checking out our website: https://www.didlake.org/