Back-to-School Advice

The first week back-to-school after summer vacation is filled with excitement, but it can also be filled with nerves. With new teachers, new classrooms, new schedules and even new classmates, it can be easy to get nervous. As we wrap up this first week, teachers and staff at The Episcopal School of Knoxville wanted to share some advice with our students on how to tackle these first few weeks. Check it out below:

“This is advice is especially for new students and students in the middle school for the first time: When it begins to feel scary or overwhelming, (new people, routines, toddlers, classmates, homework, ect.), take a deep breath and feel the ground beneath your feet. Know you stand on solid ground where you belong. Know that your problems are temporary but your belonging is permanent, like the ground beneath your feet.” – Father Josh

“Try at least one new activity, elective, sport, club or any other kind of new thing that might be available. Try to get to know one person that’s unfamiliar to you. You never know where these new experiences might lead you.”

“For lower school students – get enough sleep and eat breakfast, and for middle school students – get enough sleep, eat breakfast and manage your time wisely.”

“Speak up! Your teacher want to know what you are thinking, if you are unsure, lost, or ready to move on. Stop in before class – ask questions! We want to help – we can’t help if you don’t speak up.”

“Come in with a great attitude! It’s a new year and an opportunity for a fresh start. Be open-minded to making new friends and facing new challenges. You will likely be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.” – Mrs. Jenkins

“Think positively. Imagine the kind of year you want to have, and make it happen. Be friendly to everyone.” – Lois Ross

“One of my favorite writers, Ann Lamott, said ‘Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…including you.’ Try to make time each day to stay away from your phone, computer, ect., and go outside!” – Mrs. Lancaster

“It’s an extremely exciting time. Even us teachers tend to get pumped to see people we haven’t’ seen in a couple months. Enjoy catching up with your friends and commiserating with them. Because here is the secret – all the feelings of nerves, us teachers feel them as well.”

“Always come to school with a smile – it will be returned many times over and prepare you for a day of learning!” – Mrs. Laurence

“Be kind and helpful to others, ask lots of questions, and start off the year organized.” – Mrs. Sharpe

“Don’t pass notes!” – Mrs. Clark

“For incoming fifth and sixth grade students — after each class, make sure that you transfer whatever books or materials that you need for homework for that particular class into your backpack. By the time that you get to the end of the day, your backpack will be packed and ready to go and you will not have to think about what you need for all of your classes when your mind is tired at the end of the day.” – Mrs. McIntosh

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions!” – Ms. Wilson

“Always have a compelling free reading book.  Ask your classmates and teachers for recommendations.  Learn how to say Ginnungagap with authority like the 7th grade.  Or marvel at life’s why’s, for example, why Gleipnir, the rope that binds Fenris the wolf (in Magnus Chase)is so fascinating, made from powerful paradoxes such as: “WiFi with no lag, a printer that prints, healthy deep-fried food….”  (Please note that I am excluding the paradox of “an interesting grammar lesson”. – Mrs. O’Donnell

“Ask questions! Whether it is to clarify or expound on an idea/concept – be curious!! This will help you stay engaged, deepen your understanding, help a fellow classmate (or two), and keep your teacher on his/her toes.” – Mrs. Sterchi

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Usually someone else wants to ask the same question you ask but they are afraid to raise their hand.” – Mrs. Stivers

“Read directions very carefully and thoroughly before beginning to work.” – Mrs. Tyler

“Improve your sleep by charging devices or cellphones in the kitchen.” – Mrs. Lovely

“Have your child come home each day and tell three positive points of the day. Practice our tribes agreement- Appreciations no put downs – with your child and model it so that they see the importance of using tribes agreements inside school and out.” – Mrs. Saliba