We caught up with one educator for some tips on making a smooth transition from summer to the new school year.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

It's that time of year again. Time to head back to school and time to get some insight on making that first day as smooth as possible.

We got some tips from Tim Brunson, the assistant principal at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. His first tip was on getting students back into a routine.

"That can be done by establishing school time, like on electronic devices, cell phones, computer. It's time to scale that back to the school day use of that stuff and get away from maybe the unrestricted time they had in the summer," said Brunson.

Next on the list is anxiety. That first day can be a little unsettling, especially to those going to a new school.

"It's important for students to find a connection, whether it's a teacher, a secretary, an administrator or guidance counselor," said Brunson. "Find that one person they can connect to. It's important for parents to see that they're doing that."

Next, optimism. Many students don't like that summer's coming to an end, but there could still be some good times ahead.

"Get yourself involved in a club, an activity, a sport, in a program," said Brunson. "Take advantage of the opportunities that schools offer so that your school day is reflective of what you want it to be."

Another topic that's as important this year as any other: school bullying.

"Talk to your children, find out what's going on. Talk about their day and all aspects of their day. Who was the bus ride in, how was the cafeteria, how was the stuff in the hall," said Brunson. "Get off to that positive start in the class, seek help if you need it, and take advantage of the fact that it is a new school year with new opportunities and a chance to move forward."