How to Set Up Productive Habits Early for a Successful School Year

Wrapping up summer festivities and entering a new school year can be an exciting time for students to start fresh, set new goals for themselves, and start practicing healthy habits to be able to maintain those goals. Establishing productive routines early on can help students feel more comfortable and confident about balancing their courseloads, extracurricular activities, and social lives all while getting the most out of our personalized learning model. So, to get us all started off on the right foot, we are sharing our tried and trusted best practices for a successful back-to-school experience.  

Do: Set up a course calendar and schedule  

Take an overview of your courses and note important dates for assignments, exams, or projects and set up a tentative schedule for when you plan to start working on them. Setting aside time to complete specific tasks allows students to feel more in control of their schedule and develop good time management skills. Check out these resources on our Strong Start page.  

Don’t: Fall Behind on Assignments or Studying 

 Life happens sometimes and while it is normal to fall behind schedule on studying or completing an assignment as planned, it is important not to fall into an ongoing cycle of procrastination then struggling to catch up. When you do fall behind, try your best to catch up and stay caught up even if it means dedicating some extra time to studying and completing assignments. Reach out to your teachers for support if you need additional assistance in better understanding concepts or reestablishing your routine. Progress is not linear, but consistently prioritizing your goals even when you fall back is the best way to build sustainable habits and feel more prepared and confident.  

Do: Coordinate Frequent Check-Ins with Teachers 

Teachers are your key points of support. They can provide guidance and clarification on lessons, assignments, and learning expectations.  Build a rapport with your teachers through proactive communication about your needs, goals, and concerns throughout the semester. You should also lean on your Learning Coach with frequent conversations about how they can best support you in your learning journey.  

Do: Explore All of Our Resources 

We encourage all students—especially those new to our online program—to explore all of the resources we provide toward a well-rounded education. Whether this be browsing our extracurricular activities, social events, tutoring services, or specialized career pathways, we at Dogwood Virtual School provide our students with a variety of resources to feel supported in all areas of academic, social, and personal development.   

Don’t: Compare Yourself to Others 

Everyone’s learning story and journey is personal to them, and we believe their education should be too. Students alongside their Learning Coaches can tailor personalized leaning plans that best fit their unique needs, abilities, and aspirations. What makes K12-powered schools so unique is the opportunity for students to take control of their education and parents to be more involved in their child’s development. How everyone defines progress is unique to them, so rather than comparing yourself and your abilities to others, focus on your own progress and celebrate your own individualism as well as that of your peers.  

Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask for Help 

Your teachers, Learning Coaches, peers, and school staff are here to help! Whether you need clarification on assignments, want to pursue new pathways and aren’t sure where to start, or need wellness support of any kind, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who may help you find the answers you need. Asking for help and clarification when needed is the best way for your teachers to provide the personalized support and guidance that makes learning with us so unique, ensuring that you get the most out of your learning journey.  

Do: Get Involved! 

Explore opportunities for involvement at Dogwood Virtual School! We have a variety of extracurriculars, specialized pathways, events, and competitions that may interest you, giving students an opportunity to better get to know their peers, teachers, and interests they might never know they had. Open your mind to new opportunities and be an active participant in our community—students like you are what make it great after all! 

Now take these tips in stride, log onto your computer, and we’ll see you on the first day of school! 

Interested in learning more about Dogwood Virtual School? Learn more about enrollment options today! 

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