1. ARE YOU PREPARED!! It’s the Turning Point from Tween to Teen It’s FEARED IT’S BIG It’s JUNIOR HIGH!! You Can’t just go, You have to be ready You have to be prepared! You will be prepared! Here are 10 Steps to get you there.

2. Step 1: Think of Jr. High as a new beginning. In elementary school you knew most everyone and most everyone knew you. In Jr. High you will be dealing with more teachers, more classes, new situations, and a bigger school. You are entering a new chapter in your life so clear away some of the previous baggage and get ready for a new beginning. Jr. High is when a lot of teens are finding themselves so don’t be judgmental. Socialize with others and respect their beliefs and be liked for who you really are.

3. Step 2: Get Pre-Organized When you buy your school supplies, organize it all into one durable binder. Because of school safety issues you will not be able to take your back pack into the classroom, so your binder will become your traveling classroom. This will keep you organized as you switch classes. The binder should contain……. Zippered pouch for pencils, erasers, calculator etc. Planner and handbook. Insertable plastic dividers (8) 3 durable plastic folders for assignments completed Lined note paper or spiral notebook for note taking

4. Step 3: Attitude check Get your attitude in line for the next couple of years. This should have been taken care of during 6 th grade, but if you didn’t, it is never too late. To have success you have to see it, feel it, taste it….Really want it!! You have to have a “Can Do” Attitude.

5. Step 4: Relax….Try not to worry. Everyone's a little nervous during the first few days of a new school, but if you have done your preparations, you should be comfortable with your new school environment. During the first few days, if you are a little late, it’s OK. If you can’t open your locker…It’s OK, you will eventually get open and you will make it to every class on time. Your first period or homeroom teacher will help you with most everything you need.

6. Step 5: Know your locker…and locker combination. Know where your locker is and the most expeditious way to get to it from any where in the building. Learn when to stop at your locker. Plan it out and make sure you have enough time for a locker stop. You can’t take your backpack to your classes so your binder becomes your travelling companion. Plan as few trips to your locker as possible. Never give out your locker combination, not even to your best friend. You and your locker buddy should be the only ones that know the combination. Know how to open your locker. Turn the dial right or clockwise a few times to first number Turn the dial left or counter clockwise past the zero one time and stop on 2 nd number. Turn the dial right or clockwise and stop on the 3 rd number…tug slightly and it’s open!

7. Step 6: Plan ahead. Know the layout of your school. Use your schedule and a map of the school to draw out the route you will take to get to all your classes. Take some time during the summer when things are calmer and less crowded and familiarize yourself with the layout of the building. Even if you don’t have your schedule quite set yet you can still orient yourself on where things are located. Know where the front office, the counseling offices, the gym, the cafeteria, the commons area, the bathrooms and the water fountains are located.

8. Step 7: Know how to use the MY DSD Student/guardian account system. You should already be set up with a student account, so by using your student ID and pin number you should be able to access information concerning your classes Your parents or guardians are encouraged to set up an account also. Guardians can go onto the Davis District Site, click on MY. DSD and then click on Guardian Set Up Information, and follow the easy step-by-step instructions on setting up a guardian account. Once you have student/guardian accounts set up, you and your parents can baby sit your grade. We recommend you check on your grade, absences, tardis, missing assignments at least 3X a week.

9. Step 8: Stay on track with your schoolwork and tests. With the new schedule you should be able to complete most work in class if you use your time wisely. Make a plan to do your home work first when you get home and start with the hardest subject first. Try to study at least 2 days before a test and get used to taking notes so that you can easily prepare for tests and quizzes. Get a study group together before the test, but remember this is a study group not a social group. Don’t study this way if you are easily distracted.

10. Step 9: Get into the “night before” habit. When you start Jr. High you will need to wake up earlier than in elementary school. Get as much sleep as you can. Get at least 9 to 10 hours. In Jr. High you will fit a lot in an 8 hour day, and that doesn’t include activities after school. Each night before you go to bed…… Look at your planner to see what’s in store for the next day. Set out or think about what you are going to wear. Pack your backpack Make sure your home work’s done. Have your parents sign any papers that need to be signed. The next morning get up, stretch, shower, dress, have a healthy breakfast, do a quick mirror check, grab and GO!

11. Step 10: Ask for Help Develop a good relationship with your teachers, counselor, principal, janitors, and peers and you will discover a whole network of people that are committed to help you succeed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mR8-loJNpU