1. Start with a healthy breakfast such as fruit, yogurt or toast with peanut butter & banana. Make sure to include protein like eggs or peanut butter. This is more likely to keep you full until lunch.
2. Have a consistent bedtime. Fun fact: Kids in K-5th grade need 10 hours of sleep a night.
3. Designate time after school for homework. For example, take 30 minutes for a snack & break & then begin your assignments. Start with the hardest task first & then move to the easier ones.

4. Find a spot for homework that is quiet & free from distractions.
5. Always brush your teeth before bed?me & before school. This prevents cavities & stinky breath.
6. Love yourself
7. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
8. Have a positive atitude!

9. Take risks...this will help you learn & grow.
10. Take a shower or bath once a day.
11. Be open to meeting new people & doing new things. You never know who or what you’ll discover.
12. Be organized! This is one of the secrets to success.
13. Be curious & ask questions.
14. Limit screen time after school until homework is done.

15. And, be yourself! Because everyone else is already taken.
For Parents: https://www.metrokids.com/8-?ps-for-elementary-school-success/

For Students:

1. Establish a Study Routine: Set aside a specific time each day for homework and studying.

2. Create a Dedicated Study Space: Find a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions to do your homework. Keep all necessary supplies nearby.

3. Take Regular Breaks: Every 45-60 minutes, take a 5-10 minute break to rest and recharge. Stretch, grab a healthy snack, or walk around.

4. Stay Organized: Keep your backpack, notebooks, and study area tidy. Use folders or binders to keep track of different subjects.

5. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, brush your teeth twice a day, and shower regularly. Cleanliness is essential for health and confidence.

6. Get Plenty of Sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night. A bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Start your day with a balanced meal that includes protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables to fuel your body and brain.

8. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. It can improve focus, reduce stress, and boost your mood.

9. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Activities like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress and improve concentration.

10. Set Goals: Whether academic or personal, setting short- and long-term goals can give you direction and motivation.

11. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude toward school and learning. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

For Parents:

1. Create a Homework Routine: Establish a regular time and place for homework. Encourage consistency and provide a quiet, well-lit environment.

2. Monitor Screen Time: Set limits on recreational screen time and ensure your child’s devices are used appropriately for educational purposes.

3. Encourage Independence: Allow your child to take responsibility for their homework and studies while offering support when needed.

4. Set a Bedtime Routine: Help your child establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes winding down activities like reading or listening to calm music.

5. Foster Open Communication: Maintain an open line of communication with your child about their school experiences, challenges, and achievements.

6. Stay Involved: Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay informed about school events, and check in regularly on your child’s progress.

7. Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Support your child’s interests in sports, arts, or clubs. These activities can enhance social skills and personal growth.

8. Model Good Habits: Demonstrate healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and good hygiene. Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors.

9. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

10. Stay Positive and Patient: Adolescence is a period of significant change. Patience and a positive attitude can help your child navigate this transition smoothly.

Study Habits

1. Stay organized: Have a plan for organizing assignments. Personal planners or electronic calendars helpful for this.

   Simple Cal: App available for Apple and Android phones; Organize assignments and upcoming events https://simplecalendar.io/

2. Don’t procrastinate: Procrastination can cause unnecessary stress so be sure to start assignments early to ensure plenty of time to ask questions before the deadline.

3. Create a study space: Make sure it is quiet and free from distractions.

4. Create a study group: Getting together with classmates to form a study group can not only help you be more prepared for assignments and tests but also create lasting relationships with your peers

5. Limit screen time until assignments are complete.

6. Create a Daily Routine and Stick to It: Developing a daily routine will keep you feeling refreshed and focused as you tackle your course load throughout the day.

   1. Set a designated time to wake up, get dressed, and eat breakfast.

   2. Follow your class schedule during the day, attending every class and activity.

   3. Remain committed to your extracurriculars, but understand that there are limitations to what you can realistically take on in one day.

   4. Try not to overload yourself, and communicate with your coach or program director if there are conflicts.

   5. Plan time in the evening to work on homework, projects, test prep, or college applications.

   6. Set a designated bed time to ensure you get plenty of sleep each night.

Mental Health

1. Prioritize sleep: Teenagers need 8 -10 hours of sleep a night.

2. Find a positive outlet: Things like taking a walk, exercising, reading, journaling, and other activities are great ways to relax and reset your mind.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Activities like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress and improve concentration.

   Headspace and Calm: Apps available for Apple and Android that include guided meditation, breathing techniques, white noise, etc.

   https://www.headspace.com/          https://www.calm.com

4. Get support when you need it: A strong support system is important in your personal and academic life.

5. Build relationships with teachers and staff: Have a favorite teacher. Build a relationship with your school counselor.

6. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. It can improve focus, reduce stress, and boost your mood.

7. Surround yourself with people that are healthy for you: Your friends should reflect the goals and accomplishments you want to achieve for yourself.

8. Be yourself!

9. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

10. Love yourself!

11. Be open to meeting new people & doing new things. You never know who or what you’ll discover.

12.  Be curious & ask questions.

13.  Be positive!

14. Emergency Numbers:

    1. National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Call 988

    2. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741741

    3. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386; Text START to 678678

    4. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-787-3224; Text LOVEIS to 2522

    5. National Mental Health Hotline: 1-866-903-3787

Goals

1. Think about the big picture: When school feels overwhelming, think about why you’re in school. Is it to get your dream job? Help your family? Furthering your education will set you up for success!

2. Setting goals: Whether academic or personal, setting short- and long-term goals can give you direction and motivation.

3.  Start college prep early

4. Join a club, volunteer, get involved.           

College & Career Prep

1. Dual Credit? Look into what classes are offered that provide dual credit.

2. Careers Built To Last: Explore trades that match your interests https://www.careersbuilttolast.com/

3. Applying for college:

   1. Common App: Apply to over 1000 schools with one application https://www.commonapp.org/

   2. Apply Texas: Apply to Texas Universities with one application https://www.applytexas.org/

4.  Applying for Financial Aid: Know your 3 deadlines; School, State, and Federal

   More information: https://studentaid.gov/

5. Interested in scholarships for college?www.getschooled.com           www.scholarships.com           www.salliemae.com

6. SAT/ACT Test Prep:

   Is test prep available at your school?

   Test Prep in the Community:

   Kaplan Test Prep: www.kaptest.com

   Test Geek: www.testgeek.com

   The Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com

     7. Register for ACT: www.act.org

     8. Register for SAT: www.satsuite.collegeboard.org