'Smile!': Patch Readers Share Their Best Back-To-School Advice

Back-to-school season is here. Some students are already settling into new classrooms, while others are squeezing in the last days of summer — and no matter when the first bell rings, a little good advice never hurts.

We recently asked Patch readers to share the words of wisdom they'd pass along to students this school year— from practical tips and confidence boosters to the kind of advice you might not appreciate until you're older. And readers had plenty to say.

Here are some of our favorite responses so far. Have one to add? Share your best back-to-school advice — we're still collecting responses, so keep 'em coming.

Responses may be edited for length and clarity.

“Smile!”
— Tim Linnet, Corning, California

“Be optimistic that school will go well. Teachers are looking forward to teaching you. Your friends will be there. You might have a new notebook, backpack or pen to enjoy. Count the good things that happen and be grateful.”
— Nancy, Corvallis, Oregon

“Don’t worry — you will make friends eventually. Just hang in there. The right one will come one way or another. Be patient!”
— Mary, Van Nuys, California

“If you need help, ask. Teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators chose their professions because they genuinely care about young people. You have a world of resources if you just reach out. Have a great year!”
— Anne, Arlington, Virginia

“Be prepared and organized — make sure you have the school supplies you need! Go through your supplies and share if you have extras. You could change another student’s whole year for the better!”
— Suzanne Levy, Bedminster, New Jersey

“SLEEP is EVERYTHING!”
— C.D., Basking Ridge, New Jersey

“Start each morning with a thankful and happy heart. I love the song ‘Thankful’ by Forrest Frank.”
— Sandra, Laurel, Maryland

“Be consistent in being respectful to your teacher and your friends. Go to school confident that you have completed your homework, reports and anything required to hand in. Be organized. And above all, be grateful and show your gratitude even for the little things.”
— Jeanne Tsakalos, Baltimore, Maryland

“Use all of your life skills every day, be a good friend and go the extra mile, too!”
— Stephanie, Rohnert Park, California

“Screen time is not quality time! Put down the phone, the tablet, the Chromebook. These devices only harm you long-term.”
— Iris Gaines, Yorkville, Illinois

“Limit electronic games and phone time drastically: no more than an hour total per day and never during homework. Make a practice of concentrating on and completing homework in one sitting. Make notes of other distractions to attend to later, such as questions from your reading, social contacts, chores or jobs to get done.”
— Kris, Easton, Massachusetts

“School is your job! Treat it as such. Your job is to learn to learn. That’s what will benefit you the rest of your life. You can enjoy yourself and have fun, but it is your job.”
— Gramma J, Puyallup, Washington

“Enjoy yourself!!! It is going to go by fast!”
— Patrick Fisher, Oakland Township, Michigan

That’s some pretty great advice. Now it’s your turn to pass along a little wisdom to the next generation.

Share your best back-to-school advice here!

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