It’s totally natural to have a case of the nerves when it’s back to school time – new teachers, new classmates, maybe even a whole new school! These Miss O Club members share their tips for school success to help you on your way! Have other tips that work for you? Send them in!

SCHOOL CAN BE ROUGH
By: Kenzie, 12, OH (AKA BubbleGum15)

We all know school can be rough, if you’re in 6th or 7th grade, you know what I mean. I (kenzie) am in 7th grade. The homework gets piled on every night and the teachers never get nicer. Well here are some tips to keep you in line and get you through the year in one piece!

Tip 1- Take notes! Take them the old fashioned way, WRITE EM DOWN! Whenever a teacher is on the subject of a test, get on a notebook and copy down anything that is written on the board or anything the teacher says twice. Most of the time when teachers say something twice, it’s going to be on a test. Also copy down anything you think you need to!

Tip 2- Listen! When you listen, it actually works! Make sure that your mind is on the subject and not on something else. If a test is coming up, slowly review your thoughts of the test in your mind. Think it out and sort it. Relax about the test/quiz. You can’t possibly ace the test if you’re thinking about all the ways you can fail.

Tip 3- Keep your mind on your work! Don’t cheat. That is NEVER the answer! If you cheat, that doesn’t help you at all! If you listen carefully and take notes, there will be no need to even think of cheating. Also, if a teacher catches you, automatic F! Think about the consequences, you may not be as sly as you think!

Well I hope my tips helped you!!

TIPS FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS FROM AN EXPERT
By: Colleen, 12, NY (AKA cyberangel)

Being a good student in school isn’t that hard! Here is the formula: having a positive attitude + smart study = SCHOOL SUCCESS!!! Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Be an active reader! Read stuff like almanacs, chapter books, newspapers, internet articles, mysteries, and good magazines. Studies show that kids who read a lot do better at school than those who don’t!
2. Taking great notes, asking questions, going to the board, and reading/pantomiming a story would keep you from getting distracted.
3. Getting organized is the key! So is neat handwriting.
4. Make good friends that support your hopes and dreams.

5 BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS
By: jamie, 11, (aka 123sassy456)

1. Try to remember to bring in all your school stuff. The last thing you and your teacher needs is trouble.
2. A great way to make friends is to join clubs, after school activities, sports teams, or just talk to people in your class.
3. If you get a lot of homework remember to write down ALL your homework.
4. If you want to be popular there are only two things to do: First, just be your cute adorable self. Secondly, be nice to everyone and I mean everyone!
5. Remember everyone is nervous on the first day so don’t freak out.

A+ FOR GRADES
By: betty, 11, VA (AKA sweetlove45)

Have you ever tried to rush and finish your homework on the bus? If you answered yes to this question then here are some tips to help:

• do homework RIGHT AWAY before you decide to do anything else
• check all work and take time to do the hard problems
• ask the family for help if it stumps you, then I’m sure someone would love to help
• don’t drill yourself so hard that your brain hurts! Do it until you get it!
• listen and pay attention in class
• if you get class time to finish work, USE IT!

If you start to do your homework in an organized way right now. I will tell you that you will have good hopes and a good future later in life. The more A+ you see on the refrigerator will boost your confidence. Your future seems brighter already! Now you’re ready to step into a world of self satisfaction and good grades! Good luck in the future!