Ideas can help new school year start positively

Above all, students, be yourself — and have an awesome year!

Good morning, Yuma County … especially to the students in the Crane School District!

It’s an exciting day for the kids at Crane as the new 2019-2020 school year begins.

It might seem early, here we are. Summer has officially come to an end — at least as far as our kids are concerned. Yuma Union High School District is right behind Crane, starting on Thursday, and Yuma Elementary District 1 starts Monday.

Students, we want you to start the school year off right. Here are some ideas to consider as you kick off this next chapter in your education: • Set goals — make a list of what you want to accomplish, and stick with it.

• Keep an open mind and an open heart — hang out with your old friends, but make an effort to make new friends, too. One can never have too many friends — and you never know how much your friendship might make a difference to someone else.

• Find healthy ways to manage your stress — go for walks, exercise, read, dance around the kitchen, take deep breaths … find what works for you to be healthy and successful.

• Create a schedule and a routine for after school, to help manage your time. One option is: snack, homework, relaxing break, homework, dinner, relax, bedtime — but find what works for you.

• Get organized — find a system that works for you, and stick with it. Find a place for your supplies, a place to do homework, etc.

• Stay motivated — start each morning ready to tackle the challenges ahead, and know that every day is a new opportunity.

• If you need help, ask for it. No one expects students to know it all right out of the gate. School is a place for learning. Ask questions — all the questions, because teachers are there to educate, guide and support students. • Most importantly, be yourselves. To the teachers, administrators and students, we wish you the best start for the 2019-2020 school year!

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT? You can write a letter to the editor or comment on this editorial online at yumasun.com