Here it is! In a matter of weeks, we'll all be listening to homework policies and carrying backpacks.  It's been a great summer, but now it's time to get ready for a new school year.  But if you're blind, what do you do?  How do you stay organized, cope with the stress, get good grades, choose clothes and back to school supplies?  We're going to try to answer questions about all that and hopefully get you ready for an amazing school year.
     Staying Organized
     I started at some of my favorite websites.  I chose mostly blindness websites looking for products that work well with the technology and paper we use.  I'll add in some of my own opinions too.
     First, let's look at what you have at  home or can get at Target or Walmart or wherever you shop a lot:
     Post-it notes:  These can be a life saver!  They work well as book marks because you can't loose them so easily!  Plus, they come in bright colors and a million sizes!  Some are even big enough to fit in a brailler.  The tiny post-it notes  are great on a braille calendar!
     Stickers:  Stickers are a cheep alternative to raised dots.  You can mark dates on a calendar or use them as check marks on a to do list.  Plus, they are really fun!
     pencils:  Face it, even if you use a note taker or computer or brailler, and everyone knows you're blind, they will ask you for a pencil.  Not only that, but you never know when somebody will need to use one to fill out an answer sheet or survey for you.
     micro cassette player:  This is a great tool for recording lectures if you use a note taker with speech.  Sometimes, you can't hear the teacher very well and you need to hear the lecture again.  This is a great way to record without carrying a larger tape recorders.
     Three ring hole punch:  try an extra light punch that can be attached to the rings in a binder.
     Specialized products
     APH
     Bold Line Spiral notebook: a bright yellow notebook for those who use large print.
     Spiral Pocket notebook:  A pocket sized notebook that works well with the 3 by 5 index card slate.
     floppy braille binder:  This binder fits braille paper (11 by 11 inches) but it isn't bulky at all.  As the name suggests, it is floppy.  This means that the rings are small but it can hold a lot of paper.  It is also very light so you won't break your back!  They are sold in packs of three colors, blue, green, and yellow.
     Braille Pocket folders:  The student pack matches the floppy binders in color.  They will fit braille paper nicely.
     Tips for staying organized
     label EVERYTHING!  Label all binders and folders and assignments.
     Keep it together:  Use binders and folders for each subject.
     Keep it separate:  If you use binders, consider using a folder in the binder.  Assignments you have to complete go in the folder, finished assignments stay in the binder.
     Match it up: If you print out assignments, keep them with the braille worksheet.  After you get them back, staple them to the braille worksheet.
     Use a calendar or two: If you use a note taker or laptop, find out if it has a calendar or datebook feature.  If it does, use it!  Then, get a braille or large print calendar.  Even if you have a note taker, it is a good idea to get a hard copy calendar because you can't accidentally delete it and if your note taker breaks down, you still have your calendar.
     
     Start up
     Begin the before you start:  Set your alarm, start to pack your lunch, pack your bag.  If you can, pick out your clothes.  Create a to do list on your brailler or in large print, a hard copy and a copy in your note taker works well.
     Stay updated:  Keep your to do list updated this is why you have one copy in your note taker.  Check off or delete all completed tasks.  Add assignments and other tasks.  Ask someone to read the board to you, and add any assignments to your calendar and to do list.
     Take notes:  Even if all you do is summarize what happened in class, keep some record of what happened.
     Coping with stress
     Take deep breaths: There are several techniques.  Breathe in to the count of 4 out to the count of 6.  In to 5 hold for 20 out for 10.
     Look at the situation logically:  Yes, you may not do well with algebra, but getting worked up won't help you pass the class.
     exercise:  Studies have proven that exercise can help you deal with stress.  If nothing else, blare the tunes and shake to the beat.
     Listen to music: It helps, if you can jam for a while, it just might help you cope.
     Indulge:  Be careful with this one!  Don't eat a whole gallon of ice cream!  Girls might enjoy giving themselves a make-over.
     Change your pace:  If you get your homework done first, then change into more comfortable clothes.
     Study Tips:
     Eat breakfast:  You can't concentrate on school if your stomach is growling.
     Bring a lunch:  If you know you don't like school lunches, don't skip lunch, bring a lunch.  Eat even if you aren't hungry.
     Snack: After school grab something to eat.  Even if you just want some chips, try a more healthy approach.  Carrots and peanut butter are crunchy, pickles, chips and salsa.  Choose foods that will stick with you.
     Get comfy:  Choose a comfortable chair that makes it easy to read and write in.
     Focus building:
     Drink water:  Pop is my favorite drink, and I love coffee, but I've found that water builds focus and helps your voice.  Also, try juice.
     try this:  Here are some exercises that work.  Lift your right leg, touch your left hand to it.  Repeat with the other side.
     Fashion:
     This section may not be as helpful for guys, because I am a girl and have no clue what might work for you.
     Flavor rules:  For lipstick, consider using lip gloss instead.  Always use flavors if possible, for example, you know that the strawberry flavor is a little bit red.
     Keep it comfortable:  Don't wear something that keeps you in pain or freezing.  Keep a sweater or something like that with you, especially if your school has ac.