How to Get Out of Trouble at School

The best way to stay out of trouble at school is to know the rules and stick to them. Be aware of the dress code and follow it. Read up on policies about driving, leaving campus, missing class, arriving late to school and other common issues. If you find that trouble is still on occasion unavoidable, the following steps can help.

Instructions

1. Amend personal behaviors and make a list of positive ways to impact the school. Fill your time with enjoyable activities. Get involved in school organizations to focus on staying out of trouble.

2. Accept personal responsibility for heading down the wrong path. Demonstrate an understanding of the gravity of the situation. Ask your guidance counselor to help in the creation of short- and long-term goals to turn things around.

3. Show remorse and regret. Assure your principal, parents and any other involved parties that you want to sincerely change your behavior. Partner with a student that shares the goals and interests you want to achieve.

4. Inquire about available resources to avoid academic problems in the future, such as tutoring, after-school sessions and peer assistance. Take advantage of assistance.

5. Offer to do extra credit or to redo assignments when academic difficulties are the issue. Ask what sort of demonstration is expected to confirm an understanding of the problem and to resolve it.

6. Find an after school job or volunteer in the community. Build self-esteem and confidence to reduce the need to act out. Offer to help in the cafeteria or the school office, as school policies permit.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't justify breaking a rule because you don't agree with it. Own up to the fact that you need help turning your behavior around.

• There may be some underlying issues at the root of inappropriate behavior. Seek assistance through a school counselor.