Did you remember the three-ring binders? The No. 2 pencils? The markers? As summer winds down and September approaches, there’s more to a successful school year than just supplies. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school — coed or all-girls, public or independent — the right mindset makes all the difference.

We asked Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child’s leadership team — Head of School Jennifer G. Landis, Upper School Division Head Laura Hollenbaugh, and Lower School Division Head Christine Spies — for their best advice. Here are 10 tips to help students start the school year off right.

1. Be Yourself
First and foremost, be yourself. God put you on this earth to be you, not somebody else. Always remember there’s a God-given reason for you to be here in our world.

2. Get Excited!
Each new year is a fresh start: new teachers, new learning adventures, new interests, new activities. It’s your time to grow and shine!

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re stepping stones. Approach challenges not just to complete them, but with an openness to the lessons they teach and how they can help you grow.

4. Try New Things
Every school year is a chance to branch out — take a new class, join a club, try a sport, perform in a play, volunteer, or even taste a new food in the dining hall.

5. Set Some Goals
Small, achievable goals keep you motivated: make two new friends, participate in class each day, organize your school supplies, or share one new thing you learned at dinner.

6. Work Hard — And Have Fun Doing It
Working hard and having fun aren’t opposites — they go hand in hand. Give your best effort and find joy in learning each day.

7. Lead from Wherever You Are
Leadership isn't about titles. We can all set a positive tone, take the initiative, and make an impact.

8. Reconnect with Old Friends — And Make New Ones
Plan a back-to-school hangout, a lateover, or virtual game night. Reach out to new classmates too — it’s a great way to make someone feel welcome.

9. Do Something for Someone Else Every Day
Life is about relationships. Celebrate your friends’ successes, support them through challenges, and look for small ways to serve others daily.

10. Don’t Forget to Say Your Prayers
Life is a gift. Be grateful for it. Ask God for guidance and strength, and don’t forget to pause and notice the beauty around you.

These insights remind us that success isn’t built in a single day — it’s nurtured step by step, through habits, attitudes, and support from those around us. Whether you’re sharpening your study skills, embracing challenges, or remembering to care for yourself, every little bit adds up to a year filled with growth.