Back to School!

Are you heading back to school in the next couple of weeks? It’s exciting to think about new teachers, new friends and new school supplies. But for some kids, it’s also an anxious time.

The Mini Page checked in with an assistant principal in Olathe, Kansas, to find out howto get the year off to a good start.

The first day

Most kids are nervous on the first day of school. It helps to remember that you’re not alone — it’s the first day for the other kids, too.

You can make the day easier for yourself and others by: • smiling and being positive; • asking new kids questions about themselves and showing them around;

• having friendly body language. Look others in the eye and show interest in what they say.

Ready to learn

A good student comes to school ready to learn. But what does that mean?

photo courtesy U.S. Department of Education Good students: • are able to listen and concentrate; • can communicate well with the teacher and other students; • can work well in small groups. You can help yourself be ready to learn by: • getting plenty of sleep; • eating a nutritious breakfast that includes protein (eggs, meat, cheese, milk or yogurt).

Why go to school?

Sometimes the end of a fun summer makes us think, “Why do we go to school?”

There are many good reasons why school is important. Can you add to our list?

• To communicate: We learn to speak, read, write, understand and be understood.

• To appreciate ourselves: We get a positive feeling of selfworth when we do well.

• To

appreciate others: We study all kinds of people and cultures.

• To learn about citizenship: We will be informed, responsible community members.

• To think: We study information so we can understand it.

These kids are startingschool at the U.S. ArmyGarrison Humphreys inSouth Korea. Their parentsserve in the U.S. military.