Happy New Year!  No, I am not confused, just excited about the start of the new school year, which begins for students on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

As students begin this new school year, let me suggest the following as “new year” resolutions for student success:

• Get enough sleep. If you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, then make a serious effort to get to bed earlier. Sufficient sleep is essential for maximum brain function.   Begin now, in the week leading up to school beginning, to adjust the times for going to bed and waking up.
• Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies have shown that poor nutrition and lack of exercise negatively affect children’s academic performance.   It is a cliché, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
• Make a planner a part of your daily routine. Carry it with you at all times and remember to check it every morning and every night.   When assignments and due dates are given, put them in the planner!
• Establish a Homework Base:  Establish a time and place in your schedule each evening for doing your homework.   Get in the habit of putting your homework where it belongs right after you finish it.
• Establish a relationship with your teacher(s):  Talking to your teacher(s), helping them get to know you now, at the beginning of the year, will make it easier for you to seek out help from your teacher(s) when you need it. 
• Choose friends who share your commitment to learning:  Work to develop positive friendships with people who are committed to success in school.  Be sure that the choices that those with whom you spend time are making are the best choices for them and for you. 

I am looking forward to a great new school year!  I look forward to seeing you Sept. 4 at school!