Back to School

                                                                                                                               September 8, 2023 
 
 
Dear York Community, 
 
We hope everyone had a relaxing summer and is ready for the new school year.  Transitioning out of a vacation mindset and back into study mode can be challenging.  As you’re moving around the building you will notice new and exciting physical changes.  In addition to changes to the building, the Wellness Department has a few changes as well.  We are excited to welcome two new school counselors, Ms. Bischel, who some of you will remember was an intern with Ms. Evelyn last year.  She will be working with some of our Middle School students, and Ms. Allen will be working with our 11th and 12th grade students.  Ms. Evelyn will continue working with the Middle School and Ms. Kaslow will continue working with our 9th and 10th grade students. It takes time to say goodbye to the long days of summer, getting back into a routine, and having more structured days.  Below are a few tips to help you manage those first few weeks of returning to school.  
 
 
 
 
Preparing for the school year: 
 
  1. Begin the day with breakfast- Incorporating breakfast into your daily routine helps set you up for a successful day.  It can improve your mood, enhance your memory, and school performance. 
 
  1. Sleep- It is recommended that teens get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night.  It can be challenging but setting firm bedtimes can ensure there is adequate time to decompress after homework, extracurriculars, and family time.   
 
  1. Limit Screen time- This is referring to recreational screen time.  Studies have shown that limiting recreational screen time to 1-2 hours per day helps to refresh your mind and better prepares you to absorb information in classes or during dedicated study hours.  It also improves overall cognition. 
 
  1. Develop organizational skills- Getting and staying organized requires practice and learning. You may need assistance from your Jumpstart teacher or a parent to organize your time, manage homework and assignments, and keep track of everything you need to do for yourself.    Learning this skill now can lead to greater success in your life. 
 
  1. Designated space- Whenever possible it’s helpful to have a designated space at home for homework.  This space should be quiet, and well-lit, with your school supplies nearby to help you stay focused.  It should also be free of distractions, including phones, televisions, and personal devices.  The benefits of this space include improved focus, keeping your school related items together and helping you with a successful school year. 
 
  1. Participating in clubs and extracurriculars- Joining a club or participating in extracurricular activities provides opportunities to make new friends.  It also encourages independence and develops teamwork and leadership skills. 
 
Wishing you all a wonderful 2023-24 school year! 
 
Best, 
The Wellness Team 
 
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