Okay, I know school is tough. Between classes, homework, and lockers, you just can't seem to avoid what some teachers might call "D with Me". You heard right. Detention.
If you organize yourself and follow these tips, you are sure to succeed and stay sane all in a couple simple steps.

Tip #1:

School supply shopping is anoying, but it is essential. Make sure to make this tedious trip ATLEAST a few weeks before schools starts. Just in case you need to pick up some extra stuff you forgot. Some things that I bought this year that I find really helpful are: White-out tape, a multi-sectioned folder, a planner/agenda, and most importantly, locker supplies. but that is a different tip.


Tip #2:

Every teacher has an extensive list of school supplies, but that does not mean that you have to have everything on the first day of school. On the first day of school, all you really need is a "general binder",

a pencil, and your schedule. so bring in your school supplies little by little during that first week of school. Really, the last think you need is an avalanche of supplies enveloping you right before fifth period.


Tip #3:

Like I mentioned in a previous tip, your locker is what most likely determines your detention rate.

Whether it be getting to your French class on the third floor, or trying to find your math homework

in all your papers, it is all dependent on your locker.

Supplies Needed:
1 Magnetic pencil holder
2 Locker shelves
1 Spare pencil case filled with essentials
1 Dry-erase board/Mirror
6 Magnets
1 Hanging cloth pocket wiht atleast 3 pockets
1 Air freshener*

Follow the directions/diagram:
1) The Magnetic Pencil Holder
Just in case you need a pencil in a hurry or you need a safe place to drop off your lipgloss on your way to lunch, the magnetic pencil holder is a must-have for your locker this fall. It comes in many styles, such as this stainless steel version: http://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-Stainless-Magnetic-Pencil-Cup/dp/B00020V9AI/ref=sr_1_1 or more commonly, the paper and less sturdy ones found at Staples or OfficeMax.

2) Locker Shelves
Locker shelves help you to just be able to grab your stuff and go. No more thinking about which books you need. When you have locker shelves, it makes you so much more organized. Locker shelves come in many different colors, but don't generally vary in style. They mostly look like this, http://www.organizeit.com/polockersh.asp. You can stack them on top off each other and create alot of space out of your once cramped locker. What I really like to do is sort my stuff into AM and PM. You can put your AM stuff on one section and your PM stuff on another section. Because you have three sections, all your school supplies go on the floor or bottom section.

3) The Spare Pencil Case
I cannot tell you how many times I have forgotten my pencil case at home. Thank goodness I had my spare pencil case. Your pencil case has all the stuff you need during the day, so if for some reason you don't have it, you are dead meat. Make sure to fill up your spare with all the essentials such as a couple pencils, hand sharpener, and eraser.

4) The Dry-Erase Board/Mirror
You might need to check your hair during the day, or maybe jot down an important test. Either way, the combination of a dry-erase board and mirror tottaly oils your routine so that your classes and grades run smoothly. You can even get a locker mirror/dry-erase board/cork board like I've got in my locker.

5) Magnets
Your whole locker is made of metal! No explanatory neccesecary.

6) Hanging Cloth Pocket
These useful objects are small, portable and can hold everything! Just hang it on the hooks in your locker and put everything in it! I like to put my hairbrushes, wallet, cell phone and all those little odds and ends. Mine is a Sanrio hanging pocket, but plainer ones include this sky blue one from Target: http://www.target.com/10-Pocket-Closet-Organizer-Blue/dp/B00112AUS8/

You can find them just about anywhere.

*Optional


Tip #4:
Now that we have covered all the basics, let's talk about the little things that add up. I have this classmate that is late for French class everyday because she can't do anything quickly. If you have a class during the period after lunch that is a little harder to get to, this tip is going to save your life. 5 or 10 minutes before lunch ends, tell your teacher or supervisor that you need to go to the bathroom. When you pass by your locker, put away anything that you don't need for your next class and set your locker. What I mean is turn to your first two numbers in your combination, and move the knob really close to your third number, that way, you can get your stuff quickly and easily when you really need to.


Tip #5:
Develop a routine or path that will help you get to your classes faster. You don't necessarily have to go through the main doors. Most schools have many side doors in the gym or auditorium. If you have trouble finding your classroom, find friends that have similar schedules and plan with them. If it helps, tape your schedule and a map of the school in your agenda.

Tip #6
Watch the clock. Five minutes before class ends, start packing up your stuff. Because if you wait until the bell rings, and you are taken by suprise, it will be mass chaos. You'll forget this. You'll drop that. If you pack up everything and you are ready to go, you won't be late for your next class


Tip #7:
Your agenda is there for a reason. Make sure you check your agenda every night. This will ensure you don't forget any homework. At the end of the day, when you are packing up your stuff before homeroom, check your agenda to figure out what you need for homework that night. If you don't know what your homework is, how can you do it?


Tip #8:
Most teachers hand out homework sheets that state the homework for that whole week. These homework sheets could save your life. If you know you have soccer on Thursday or piano on Friday,

do the homework for that day before hand, then you know that you won't get a big fat F. Homework sheets are also good for organizing your homework by the week it was given. All your homework can go in your binder between two homework sheets.


Tip #9:
Extra-curriculars are fun, but can get you into serious trouble. Take my friend for example, she plays violin practically 24/7. The big bad orchestra intructor keeps her from classes atleast one period everyday. Then after school, she has private lessons. Do you see where I am going with this? She has to work extra hard just to keep up with the schoolwork, not to mention the homework. You might think in the beginning of the year that you can balance it all, but the work load can increase, or god forbid at home projects. Once you add extra-curriculars to projects, you don't even have time to sleep. So I beg of you, don't try to take on everything.


Tip #10:
Spend one or two minutes organizing your locker everyday, especially on Friday. The little things like a loose paper can quickly add up to a jumbled mess. Mantain your locker, and you will never have to plan a day to clean it out.


I hoped these tips helped you. Avoid "D with Me" and ALWAYS be Fahionably Artistic.