With the school year taking off, The Sting wanted to ask some of the teachers what their biggest pieces of advice are when it comes to having a successful school year. With each teacher offering a different opinion on how students can best succeed. Of the staff I spoke with, there were a few notable pieces of advice that should inspire students to make this school year their best yet.

“The biggest tip, especially for juniors, since it’s such a difficult year is to keep a planner or a schedule which I think will help you stay on top of things,” English teacher Lou Ann Burnham said.

Writing things down should help keep your school life organized and consistent. In terms of distractions, it seems our phones have us preoccupied. Phones are a part of our daily lives, and it gets hard to focus on the schoolwork right in front of you.

“Honestly, I think the biggest thing is being distracted by phones and those kinds of things,” aquatics teacher Keith Boenisch said.

Remain focused and try to limit students’ phone usage to only appropriate times at school. History teacher April Reynolds suggested that students should approach their academics with more intentionality.

“Taking it seriously and realizing this is a time where you make important decisions,” Reynolds said. Students should use this time wisely, high school goes by faster and your future depends on the choices you make now.

Use these next few years wisely. High school is indeed a time when important decisions and choices affect every student’s future. The school year brings up different emotions for all students. Essentially putting in one’s best work is what counts most.

“The biggest thing is to stay on top of schoolwork,” Boenisch said.