Smooth Start Slides Campus Launch Routine 01 High School Life Skills
Smooth Start Arrivals & Hallway Transitions
Master your first 10 minutes on campus: locker check, desk readiness, schedule review, and calm passing periods.
Enter Calmer
4-step door routine
Read Schedule
Blocks, rooms, teachers
Move Safely
Smooth passing periods
Your First 10 Minutes: 4 Core Steps
Step-by-Step
1
Enter & Acknowledge
Walk in at a steady pace. Make eye contact or give a polite nod/greeting to the teacher at the door.
2
Stow Outer Gear
Hang your jacket, place heavy backpack in the designated zone, and keep only class materials.
3
Desk Launchpad Setup
Take your assigned seat. Put out pencil, notebook, and charged device before the final bell rings.
4
Check the Board & Warm-Up
Look at the daily agenda on the board. Begin the 5-minute warm-up question without waiting to be asked.
Building autonomy: Doing these 4 steps every morning eliminates stress and prepares your brain.
Decoding Your Daily Campus Schedule
Visual Schedule
Period & Time
Check if today is an A Day or B Day. Note exact start and end times.
Room Number
Room numbers follow wings (e.g., B-204 is Building B, 2nd floor). Match signs on hallways.
Teacher & Subject
Look for the teacher name outside the door before entering. Have your specific binder or folder ready.
Unsure where to go? Ask any adult wearing a staff badge or check in at the counseling office.
Hallway Flow: Passing Period Rules
Campus Safety
Keep Traffic Moving
Walk on the right side of the corridor, just like cars drive on the road. Avoid stopping in the center of hallways or doorways.
The 5-Minute Passing Clock
Use passing time for: restroom stop, locker swap, walking directly to class. Save socializing for after you arrive at your door!
Personal Bubble in Crowds
Keep an arm’s length between you and the person ahead of you. Keep your hands on your backpack straps to prevent accidental bumps.
Voice & Device Volume
Use an indoor conversation voice. Keep earbuds tucked away unless you have a designated hallway pass for sensory comfort.
Pro tip: If the hallway is too crowded, step to the wall edge and take a steady breath before continuing.
Quick Check: Your Daily Launch Plan
Action Step
What is your personal arrival sequence?
A
First thing I do when I walk through the school door: ________________
B
Where my heavy backpack and coat go: ________________
C
Three items ready on my desk before the bell rings: ________________
Goal: Complete all 4 steps tomorrow with zero teacher reminders!
Smooth Start Routine Worksheet Life Skills Routine 01
Arrival & Transition Protocol
Smooth Start Transitions
Campus Launch Series
Student:
Date:
Period:
Part 1: Daily Arrival Checklist (Check off each step in order)
Daily Goal: 4/4 Steps
# Action High School Target Behavior Self-Rating 1 Entry & Greeting Enter calmly, acknowledge teacher with verbal greeting or nod. ⬜ Independent ⬜ Prompted 2 Gear Placement Put backpack/jacket in designated zone; take only needed items. ⬜ Independent ⬜ Prompted 3 Desk Launchpad Sit in assigned seat; set out pencil, binder, and charged device. ⬜ Independent ⬜ Prompted 4 Agenda & Warm-Up Check board agenda, open planner, start the warm-up question. ⬜ Independent ⬜ Prompted
Part 2: Schedule & Transition Navigator
Period 1 / Block A
Subject:
Room #:
Supplies:
Period 2 / Block B
Subject:
Room #:
Supplies:
Part 3: Hallway Transition Decision
Scenario: The bell rings. The hallway is crowded, and friends invite you to stand and chat near the gym, but your next class is on the 2nd floor.
What is the responsible choice to make sure you arrive safely and on time?
Teacher Support & IEP Data Collector Benchmark: 80% independent over 5 consecutive days
Prompt Level
⬜ Indep ⬜ Visual ⬜ Verbal
Transition Time
< 3m | 3-5m | > 5m
Ready at Bell
⬜ Yes ⬜ No ⬜ Partial
Observer Initials
Classroom Flow Slides Campus Launch Routine 02 Classroom Procedures
Classroom Flow & Focus Habits
Setting up your workspace, asking for support with confidence, staying engaged, and turning in completed work.
Desk Launchpad
Ready in 60 seconds
Silent Signals
Discreet help routines
Turn-In System
Check, file, wrap up
The "Ready to Learn" Desk Setup
Materials Rule
✓
On Top of Your Desk
Pen or sharpened pencil
Current class notebook or worksheet
Charged school tablet or laptop (when asked)
Water bottle with secure lid
✗
Tucked Away Off Desk
Cell phones (inside bag, silenced)
Personal gaming devices & earbuds
Open snacks and messy food items
Bulky backpacks (keep in aisle-safe spot)
A clear desk reduces visual overwhelm and keeps your attention where it counts.
Asking for Support: 3 Silent Signals
Self-Advocacy
1
One Finger
"Need Water / Restroom"
Hold up 1 finger quietly. Teacher nods or points to sign-out hall pass. No yelling across the room!
2
Two Fingers
"Question / Need Help"
Hold up 2 fingers. While waiting for teacher to walk over, continue looking at what you CAN do.
3
Three Fingers
"Need a 2-Minute Reset"
Signals sensory overload or frustration. Teacher grants quick quiet corner or water break.
Silent hand signals respect everyone’s focus and give you immediate teacher connection.
Finishing & Turning in Assignments
Work Habits
The 3-Point Pre-Turn-In Check
Is my full first & last name on top?
Did I answer every question or explain where I got stuck?
Is it physically placed in the class period tray or submitted online?
Finished Early? What Next?
A. Read personal book or graphic novel
B. Work on missing tasks from planner
C. Quiet mindfulness or drawing (no loud talking!)
Rule: Never just put your head down or walk around when finished—keep learning quietly!
Class Practice: Help-Seeking Scenarios
Real Scenarios
Classroom Flow Routine Worksheet Life Skills Routine 02
Classroom Flow & Focus System
Classroom Flow Procedures
Campus Launch Series
Student:
Date:
Period:
Part 1: 60-Second Desk Setup Audit
Clear & Ready
Writing Tool
Pen or sharpened pencil ready
⬜ Ready
Paper / Folder
Notebook open to today's date
⬜ Ready
Tech Charged
Computer open only when directed
⬜ Ready
Phone Stowed
Silenced inside zipped bag
⬜ Stowed
Part 2: Silent Signals Decoder (Match scenario with finger signal)
Signal Meaning Classroom Scenario Your Action ☝️ 1 Finger Restroom / Water You need to step out to use the restroom during independent work. Wait for pass nod ✌️ 2 Fingers Academic Help You are unsure how to start problem 4 on the assignment. Keep working on #5 🤟 3 Fingers Calm Reset Break Noise is overwhelming and you need 2 minutes in the quiet corner. Take reset pass
Part 3: My Self-Advocacy Action Plan
Prompt: When you are waiting for teacher support, what is one positive task you will do so you don't lose focus?
Part 4: Finished Early Menu (Choose 2 habits you will do)
⬜ Choice A
Independent reading or graphic novel
⬜ Choice B
Update planner & organize binder
⬜ Choice C
Quiet sketchpad or sensory breathing
Teacher Support & IEP Data Collector: Classroom Procedures Standard: Self-advocacy & on-task engagement
Help Seeking
⬜ Used signal ⬜ Verbal shout
Wait Tolerance
> 2 min calm | Needed prompt
Desk Readiness
⬜ 4/4 ready ⬜ Needs prompt
Staff Signature
Smart Gear Slides Campus Launch Routine 03 Organization & Time Mastery
Smart Gear & Timers: Daily Systems
Tame your backpack and locker, master daily planner logs, pace your work with visual countdowns, and pack up stress-free.
3 Gear Zones
Backpack & locker system
Agenda Habit
Log tasks in 2 minutes
Work Sprints
Beat the visual clock
The 3 Backpack Zones: No More Lost Papers
Gear Zones
1
Zone 1: Tech Sleeve
Padded pocket for laptop or tablet and charging cord. Never store food, pens, or heavy binders in this pocket!
2
Zone 2: Main Vault
Color-coded subject folders and notebooks. Loose papers must go inside pockets, never floating at the bottom!
3
Zone 3: Front Quick-Access
Pencil pouch, student ID card, locker key, lip balm, and tissues. Small items that you need in 5 seconds.
Weekly cleanout rule: Every Friday, empty trash and receipts into the recycle bin!
The 2-Minute Agenda Log
Executive Function
The "What & When" Formula
Subject: History
Action: Read pg 42-45 & answer Q 1-3
Due Date: Thursday by 8:30 AM
What If There is No Homework?
Never leave the box empty! An empty box makes your brain wonder later: "Did I forget to write it down?"
Write: "None / Finished in Class"
Gives you instant peace of mind tonight.
Log the agenda immediately when you enter class—not at the dismissal bell!
Visual Timers: 10-Minute Focus Sprints
Time Management
0-2m
Kickoff Stage
Read instructions, write name, gather tools. Start problem #1 before checking the timer.
2-8m
The Deep Sprint
Eyes on your own paper. Keep your pencil moving. If you pause, use your help signal.
8-10m
Check & Polish
Yellow/red warning on the visual clock means: review missed blanks, double check answers.
Visual countdown clocks show you time passing so you never run out of minutes unexpectedly!
End-of-Class Pack-Up: The 2-Minute Bell
Exit Routine
The Teacher Dismisses, Not the Bell!
1. Return Community Tools
Put scissors, glue, or chargers back in their labeled bins.
Smart Gear Routine Worksheet Life Skills Routine 03
Smart Gear & Time Management
Smart Gear Timers
Campus Launch Series
Student:
Date:
Period:
Part 1: Backpack & Locker 3-Zone Audit
Daily Organization
Zone 1: Tech Sleeve
⬜ Laptop/tablet in sleeve
⬜ Charger tucked in neatly
⬜ No food or pens in sleeve
Zone 2: Main Vault
⬜ Subject folders labeled
⬜ No loose crumpled papers
⬜ Spiral notebook inside
Zone 3: Quick Access
⬜ 2 working pens/pencils
⬜ Student ID card ready
⬜ Tissues / personal care
Part 2: Today’s Agenda & Assignment Log
Period Subject Task or "None / Done in Class" Due Date Done Period 1
|
| ⬜ |
| Period 2 |
|
|
| ⬜ |
| Period 3 |
|
|
| ⬜ |
Part 3: 10-Minute Focus Sprint Reflection
Focus Question: When the visual timer shows only 2 minutes remaining, what specific action will you take to finish calmly?
Part 4: 90-Second Dismissal Checklist
1. Supplies Returned
⬜ In bin
2. Papers Foldered
⬜ In Zone 2
3. Floor Clear
⬜ No trash
4. Chair Pushed In
⬜ Ready
Teacher Support & IEP Data Collector: Executive Functioning Objective: Independent planner & backpack maintenance
Backpack Audit
⬜ 3/3 zones ⬜ Needs sort
Planner Log
⬜ Complete ⬜ Partial ⬜ None
Pack-Up Time
< 90 sec | > 2 min
Staff Signature
Social Radar Slides Campus Launch Routine 04 Social & Safety Skills
Social Radar & Campus Safety
Navigating high school social boundaries, reading personal space, asking for a calm break, and reaching your trusted adult network.
High School Greetings
Respectful social codes
Personal Bubble
Arm's length distance
Support Network
Trusted campus staff
Campus Greetings: Matching the Situation
Social Radar
Adults & Staff
Teachers, principals, security officers, and bus drivers:
"Good morning, Ms. Hernandez."
"Hello, how are you today?"
Polite nod with a smile in passing.
Classmates & Peers
Friends and students in hallways or group work:
"Hey, what’s up?" or "Hey, Alex."
Casual wave or fist-bump (if invited).
Respect when someone is wearing headphones.
Key rule: Match the tone of the room. Whisper in quiet work times, speak clearly in discussions.
Respecting the Personal Space Bubble
Body Boundaries
The One-Arm Rule
Stand at least one full arm’s length away (about 3 feet). If you can touch their shoulder with a bent elbow, you are too close.
Reading Body Cues
If someone leans back, steps away, or crosses their arms, they are asking for more room. Take one polite step backward.
Hands to Yourself
High school rule: Keep hands off peers’ backpacks, hair, or hoodies. Ask before borrowing any item on their desk.
Your personal space belongs to you, and everyone else deserves the same comfort!
Advocating for a Calm Break
Emotional Regulation
When to Request a Break
Feeling fists clenching or heartbeat speeding up
Frustration with a difficult assignment
Sensory overload from noise or bright lights
How to Ask Appropriately
Show the 3-finger break signal
Or hand the teacher your Calm Pass card
Take 3 deep breaths in designated sensory zone
Asking for a break BEFORE you react shows high school maturity and self-control.
Who Is on Your Campus Support Team?
Campus Safety
Case Manager
IEP & schedule support
School Counselor
Stress & social challenges
Campus Security
Social Radar Routine Worksheet Life Skills Routine 04
Social Radar & Campus Safety
Social Radar Safety
Campus Launch Series
Student:
Date:
Period:
Part 1: The Personal Bubble Self-Check
Arm's Length Rule
Arm's Length
Keep at least 3 feet of space between you and classmates in line or at desks.
⬜ I practice this
Reading Space
If a peer takes a step back or turns away, give them extra breathing room.
⬜ I practice this
Respect Possessions
Never grab someone's backpack, phone, or hoodie without verbal permission.
⬜ I practice this
Part 2: My Calm Break Advocacy Script
When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, use this polite script with your teacher or paraprofessional:
"Excuse me, (Teacher Name), I am feeling overwhelmed."
"May I please take a 2-minute reset in the (safe spot)?"
Part 3: My Campus Support Network (Identify 3 Trusted Adults)
Campus Role Staff Member Name Room / Location Case Manager / SpEd Teacher
|
| Counselor / Social Worker |
|
|
| Trusted Campus Adult #3 |
|
|
Part 4: Respectful Boundary Scenario
Scenario: Another student accidentally bumps into you in the lunch line and knocks your tray. What is the calm, high school response?
Teacher Support & IEP Data Collector: Social Communication & Safety Target: Self-advocacy & appropriate peer boundaries
Personal Space
⬜ Maintained ⬜ Needed reminder
Break Request
⬜ Used script/pass ⬜ Non-verbal
De-escalation
< 3 min | 3-5 min | > 5 min
Staff Signature
