From NDP’s Twitter.

The school year is starting here on Hampton Lane and the students are beginning to come back to school. With returning students rolling back onto campus, there are new faces popping up throughout the hallways. The Class of 2028 has arrived and, just like all past freshman at NDP, they are nervous about their first year of high school. Starting high school is a big milestone, but it can be really hard. To prepare for the new school year, here are some super helpful tips to get the new students ready for this fun and exciting year… 

1. Get to Know Your Teachers – Your teachers will be some of your biggest supporters. While they may give you homework and tests, they really are there to help you and they only want to see you succeed. If you need help, go to them and ask for it. They will happily help you. So, introduce yourself and if you need help, do not be scared to ask for it. 
2. Keep Yourself Organized with an Agenda – Agendas are a huge resource. Some people prefer to keep their homework assignments in a journal or on their computer, but whatever you do, make sure you write down when your tests are and what homework you must do. It will keep you organized as you look back at it later.  
3. Get Involved – NDP has so many clubs and sports. Take advantage of this. Whether you are a varsity athlete, a leader of the club, or a part of the ensemble in the music, make sure you sign up for anything that interests you. Maybe even sign up for something that does not interest you. It would not hurt to try something new, but above all, just get involved. School is more fun when you have things to do. 
4. Leave Your Blazer in Your Locker – Some people take their blazers home and leave them there, but I personally leave my blazer at school. That way if there is a Liturgy or some assembly that I forgot about, then I have it in my locker ready to go instead of hanging up in my closet at home. Leaving it at school ensures that when you need it, then it will be there.  
5. Exercise Time Management – Teachers assign work, and some classes have a lot of work. You need to make sure that you stay on top of it. If you do not stay on top of it, you run the risk of falling behind and possibly losing points on your assignments. Use an agenda to stay on top of it, but make sure that you exercise time management by setting aside time every night to work on any work that teachers have given you. That way you will stay on top of any work given to you.  
6. Stay Healthy – School is stressful, and after a summer of late nights and very few exhausting days, your mental and physical health can sometimes begin to struggle. Make sure that you get enough sleep every day. Make sure that you are also eating and drinking enough so that you can make it through each day. You need to fuel your body so that you can fuel your mind. So, make sure that you stay healthy, especially in the first few weeks of school.  
7. Be Yourself – Between being in a different school, with new friends, and harder classes, beginning high school can be tough. All I can say is be yourself and you will be set. It sounds cringey, but it is true. Be yourself and you will make new friends, and you will have fun. You will enjoy being in school, even in the harder classes. 

Starting high school is a fun and exciting time. It can be chaotic and challenging, but it is a time that you will remember for the rest of your life. Rely on your friends, families, and teachers and you will have the best time at NDP. This school is amazing, and it has so many fun traditions and opportunities. I promise that these tips will help you get through the first year and will lead to great things in the future. Good luck this year, not only to the freshman, but everyone else at the school!