School has officially started and you are probably thinking, what now? For some people, the first step for a good year is organization.

How do you get there? That’s what I want to know. So read on for first-rate tips for staying on top of things this school year.

1. Write all homework, meetings, parties, etc., in your planner. But don’t forget to write when things are due. Late work will not help you on your quest for a controlled year.

2. Keep your locker/desk clean and make sure everything’s easy to find. No teacher will accept the excuse “I lost it in my desk/locker,” or the ever- popular “I left it at home.”

3. Make sure all notes are legible and easy to read. And folks, make sure you know what they say. Mr. Adams, a math teacher at South Junior High School, told his Math 7 classes to always take notes that would help you remember things. This should make studying much easier.

4. Another tip I got from a teacher was to keep one binder that you take to all your classes. Mrs. McFall, an English teacher at SJHS, also said to have a homework folder for all of your homework assignments. One pocket should be for homework that needs to be done; the other is the “turn in” side. And after every quarter, file away any important homework papers or any notes that you might think helpful later on.

5. This final one is probably the most important one of all, and it applies to just about everyone I know, do and finish your homework the same night you receive it. If you do this, then you have just minimized some of that stress that you would have if you wait to do any of your homework.

I hope these help you keep your year organized. Have a great school year.