Embrace the new school year with optimism. A positive mindset not only enhances your well-being but also impacts your students and colleagues. Remember, your enthusiasm is contagious; it sets the tone for your classroom and the school environment.

For Students:

Set Clear Goals

As you embark on the new school year, take time to set clear, achievable goals. Whether it’s improving your grades, mastering a new skill, or making new friends, having specific objectives will help you stay motivated and focused. Write down your goals and revisit them regularly to track your progress.

Get Organized

Organization is key to academic success. Before school starts, organize your study space and gather all necessary supplies. Use planners, digital calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities. A well-organized schedule will help you manage your time effectively and reduce stress.

Develop a Study Routine 

Establishing a consistent study routine early on will set you up for success. Dedicate specific times each day for studying, reviewing notes, and completing assignments. Find a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus. Remember to take regular breaks to recharge—balance is essential!

5. Stay Healthy

Maintaining good health is crucial for your academic performance. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active. Regular exercise can improve concentration and reduce stress. Also, don’t forget to make time for activities you enjoy outside of
school to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

6. Engage and Participate

Active participation in class can enhance your learning experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, join discussions, or seek help when needed. Engaging with your teachers and peers will not only deepen your understanding of the material but also make the learning process more enjoyable.

8. FOR TEACHERS

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10. Prepare and Organize

Before the school year begins, take time to organize your classroom and materials. Set up a welcoming and functional learning environment that encourages student engagement. Plan your lessons in advance, ensuring that you have a variety of activities to cater to different learning styles. Using digital tools to manage assignments and communication can also help you stay organized throughout the year.

9. Set the Tone Early

Establish clear expectations for behavior, participation, and academic performance from the first day. Create a positive classroom culture where respect, collaboration, and growth are prioritized. Consistency in enforcing these expectations will help create a safe and productive learning environment.

10. Build Relationships

Strong relationships with your students can make a significant difference in their academic journey. Take time to get to know your students—their interests, strengths, and challenges. Show empathy, be approachable, and encourage open communication. When students feel valued and
understood, they are more likely to engage and succeed.

Differentiate Instruction

Every classroom is diverse, with students bringing different abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds. Differentiating instruction is crucial to meeting each student’s needs. Incorporate a mix of teaching methods, provide various levels of assignments, and offer choices in how students demonstrate their learning. This approach ensures that all students are challenged and supported.

Prioritize Self-Care

Teaching is a rewarding but demanding profession. To be at your best for your students, it’s essential to take care of yourself. Set boundaries between work and personal time, pursue hobbies or activities that you enjoy, and practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Prioritizing self-care will help you maintain your enthusiasm and effectiveness throughout the year.

For Both Teachers and Students

Foster a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset—believing that abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance—is beneficial for both students and teachers. Encourage an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn. Celebrate effort, resilience, and progress, rather than just outcomes.

Embrace Technology

Technology is an integral part of education today. Students should leverage digital tools for learning, organization, and collaboration. Teachers can use technology to enhance instruction, provide personalized feedback, and create interactive learning experiences.  Staying updated with the latest educational tech can make the learning process more efficient and engaging. 

Communicate and Collaborate

Open communication and collaboration are key to a successful school year. Students should feel comfortable reaching out to teachers for help or clarification. Teachers should maintain regular communication with students and parents to keep everyone informed and involved. Collaboration between students in group projects or discussions can also foster a sense of community and enhance learning.

Stay Adaptable

The 2024 school year may bring unexpected challenges, whether related to curriculum changes, shifts in learning formats, or other external factors. Both students and teachers should stay adaptable and open to change. Flexibility and a positive attitude will help navigate any obstacles that arise and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

As the 2024 school year begins, remember that both students and teachers play a vital role in creating a positive, productive learning environment. By setting goals, staying organized, and fostering
strong relationships, everyone can contribute to a successful and fulfilling academic year. Here’s to a great start and an even better finish!

Tips from the Ohio Department of Health

Back-to-school season means different things for everyone. Whether your kids are starting out in kindergarten, heading into their freshman year, or going off to college – there are some things you should keep in mind.

Kids grow up fast! There are some routine vaccines that will need a booster dose as your kids grow. Check with your healthcare provider to see what vaccines they may need as they head into the new school year. This chart may also help!

Planning is a great way to make sure your kids get what they need. Asthma Action Plans can help school staff and teachers know what to do if your child has an asthma attack.  The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) asthma program has more details and templates available for your use.

It’s important that all children have their hearing and vision tested regularly to give kids the best chance at learning. Vision and hearing screenings will be administered by the school to all children in preschool, kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh (vision only), ninth, and eleventh grade as required by state law. If your child is suspected to have hearing or vision problems, the school nurse will send additional information home.

Use food to fuel brainpower! School cafeteria lunches are essential for meeting kids’ nutritional needs and keeping them going in the classroom! Packed lunches can do this just as well. Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that your kids like to eat. Find ideas for packing lunches on Eatright.org.  Keep food safety in mind to prevent foodborne illnesses by using insulated lunch bags with ice packs for keeping food cold.

• More tips on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.

Many kids walk or bike to school. It’s important to have a safe route planned! Use sidewalks or paths that are separated from busy streets, if possible. Always walk on the side of the street facing traffic and try to minimize the number of streets you need to cross. If a bike is the go-to choice of transportation, make sure to protect growing brains with a well-fitted, bicycle appropriate helmet.

Some students may be heading back to school with emotionally heavy backpacks. Remind your kids that it’s okay to ask for help and be ready to respond when they do. Warning signs to look for: watch for changes in behavior, things like being withdrawn, tantrums, or loss of interest in things that they usually do. If you notice changes, it’s important to reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. You can also connect with a free, confidential counselor by calling or texting 988.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine – the same addictive drug in regular cigarettes and cigars. If you know, or find out that your child is vaping, there are free options to help them quit. The Ohio Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT NOW) sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health offers the “My Life My Quit” program specifically for young people.

View more articles by visiting the Ohio Department of Health.