And so the 2025-26 school year has started in full swing. The Mainsheet is fired up to introduce the highly anticipated, beyond marvelous Volume 76! A new school year always brings in the challenges of transitioning from the hot, sultry summer to the crisp breeze of fall. 

The EICs have prepared some tips and tricks to have the most successful school year that you can have … after all, this is our 76th time doing this!

1. “Opt-in, Say Yes”

You’re not too cool for high school. There’s a reason you’re here … so be a high schooler. Homecoming Week is just around the corner. Go to the games. Dress up for Spirit Week. Say yes to the random plans and the silly traditions. For underclassmen, four years might feel like forever right now, but trust us, it flies by. As Ferris Bueller put it best: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

2. Find a good snack to get you through the year! 

Cady prefers anything from Trader Joe’s or an organic peach or nectarine, but anything works as long as it keeps them going. Lina loves a good genetically modified cotton candy grape the size of a Gatorade bottle cap. Stay away from caffeine if possible. Evan’s go-to snack from the cafeteria is the acai bowls, which he douses in honey and coconut flakes. Whatever your choice, fuel yourself well to keep the energy up all day!

3. Befriend your teachers. 

Even after you finish high school, teachers can be friends that you keep coming back to. Keeping an open relationship allows you to feel safer reaching out for help or stopping by for office hours. Go check in on your teachers during community connections. You’ll never know what funny life stories they have in store for you. 

4. Be a good procrastinator.

If you are a serial procrastinator (we know you exist somewhere out there), we get it—procrastination happens to the best of us. Sometimes that last-minute adrenaline rush is exactly what you need to finish an assignment (totally not speaking from personal experience). 

But learn to use the extension policy wisely. Chadwick’s curriculum and deadlines are designed to help you succeed, not to trip you up. Plan your assessments and extensions strategically so you’re pacing yourself and not praying for a miracle the night before the next big assessment.

5. Exercise! 

The canyon is a great place to unwind and birdwatch. Your own neighborhood would also be a great place to wander around and clear your mind. Your pets will thank you for extra runs. Exercising helps clear the head, and getting your blood moving enhances creativity. Not to mention the benefits of fresh air!

6. Value sleep! 

The best cure for sickness and strong emotions is simply giving yourself the rest to recuperate and greet each new day with a positive attitude. Medical studies indicate that high school students should get 8-10 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Eight shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. Remember that sleeping is proven to lead to better test results than staying up late and cramming.

7. Be authentic! 

Being true to your interests and embracing your nerdy self will bring happiness both to you and the people around you. Wear your favorite clothes; let your teachers know when you’re enjoying the topic. High school is a time of self-discovery, so use it to explore your passions to the fullest.

8. Don’t fall for Ragebait.

Use all the strength in your body to ignore the ragebait!! Ragebait is when someone says outrageous things to provoke anger out of you. Your anger is not someone’s entertainment. Be aware of the people around you and stay strong!

9. Join The Mainsheet!

If you’ve ever had a hot take you couldn’t stop thinking about, love design and photography, or just enjoy talking to people, you’ll fit right in at The Mainsheet. 

Whether it’s writing an op-ed, drawing illustrations, taking pictures, or learning how to report a story, there’s a spot for everyone to contribute. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, and you’ll leave with a few new friends (and some great bylines) along the way. Come join us!!