Having the right materials in your backpack can lead to a successful and productive school year, but what exactly should this look like for Pingree students? Every student has their own approach to staying organized, motivated, and being ready for anything that comes their way. To help answer this question, current seniors have shared some of their best advice. 

Senior class representative, Joey Lussier, believes it is important to have the classics like textbooks for your specific classes and a different notebook for each class to stay organized. He also shared something that seems obvious but is often forgotten: writing utensils. Lussier thinks it is absolutely essential to not only have them with you at all times, but to have extras for friends and classmates since not every classroom has them. Some of the other essentials that he shared that are non-school related include his water bottle and airpods, which other seniors echoed.

Pingree Co-President of the school, Samahra Salah, also thinks that having airpods is very beneficial. Listening to music while studying and completing homework helps her stay focused, and she utilizes her airpods when teachers give her time to work in class. Salah also shared that headphones are sometimes needed for class and it’s easier to have her own than to borrow from the library. 

Additionally, Jack Mackey, Madeline LaBossiere, Samahra Salah, Natalie Hernandez, Ethan Rich, Graham Sweet, and Lauren Tucker all shared that something they didn’t have in their middle school bags, but is essential to have in their Pingree bags, is chargers for both their computers and phones. Tucker stated that “being able to charge [her] phone before an away game is super nice because normally it’s pretty low by the end of the day.” Many students also noted that being able to plug their computers in during class allowed them to continue working, so having their own charger is very helpful. 

Hannah Shields and Linh Nelson both further explained about school supplies they have in their backpacks. They agreed that having a notebook and/or folder for each class is extremely helpful as opposed to binders. Shields recommends the multi-subject notebook so everything is in one place and papers don’t get lost. 

Luke Tsiaras shared that using your locker, especially as a freshman, is very helpful for organization and to avoid bringing heavy books to and from school each day. 

Overall, the current seniors all agree that the most important non-school related essentials are water bottles, Advil, chargers, and for students who can drive, carkeys. With so much online these days and with more freedom in high school, independence is key and having a packed bag can lead to a successful year.