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A teen's new year is not marked by the passing of a calendar year but by the start of a new school term. Each term marks a beginning, a different chapter in their growing lives and a fresh start. It's also a time of new classes, teachers, classmates and the perfect opportunity to get organized.

Organization and school work go hand in hand. In order to excel academically you need to be organized. When it comes right down to it organizational skills may be just as important as reading, writing and arithmetic in creating a well rounded, self-sufficient individual.

What follows is a collection of priority and time management tips that will see teens sailing through the school year with less stress, reduced clutter and much academic success.

Start with a clean slate. The first step to organizing your school year is to de-clutter. Get rid of any school related items that clutter your personal space. Keep only what is useful and will be beneficial throughout the school year. Organize papers in separate folders and automatically purge things you're positive you'll never need again.

Rise and shine at the same time every morning. Having a consistent bedtime will help you feel refreshed when it's time to rise in the morning. It's wise to set your alarm with extra time to spare. If it usually takes you 30 minutes to shower and get out the door be on the safe side and allot yourself 45.

If you have trouble getting up despite your bedside alarm, move your alarm clock across the room so you'll have no choice but to physically get out of bed to turn it off.

Lay out your clothes in advance. Listening to a weather forecast and taking a few minutes to prepare your wardrobe for the following day will save you a ton of time in the morning. Include accessories and footwear in your preparations.

Use an organizer. If you've got a student planner or agenda use it. Organizers that come complete with pocket folders, dividers and planning calendars are ideal. When you think of something you need to remember jot it down right away. If you wait until later you may forget. Also, consider using a separate homework folder for completed assignments.

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One calendar schedules it all. Plan all your school and personal activities using one calendar and one calendar only. That said, if your family uses a 'master calendar' for scheduling everyone's activities you should share your activity dates and times on a need to know basis to avoid scheduling conflicts and missed appointments. After all, you won't be able to borrow the car for your rugby practice if mom needs it to take your sister to dance practice.

Color-code same activities. Color-coding similar activities on your calendar makes for quick viewing e.g. highlight activities in blue, tests and study prep in yellow and your part-time job schedule in pink.

Compile a 'to do' list. It's amazing the difference a list can make when it comes to accomplishing things. Just 15 minutes of writing down the tasks you need to accomplish the following day will find you not only more productive but more in control of your time.

Keep a balanced schedule. While you may be tempted to sign up for every extra curricular activity that sparks your interest, think twice. Taking on too much can really affect your grades and your social life. Look at your course load and how much studying is involved. Then prioritize your recreational interests. Only sign up for as many activities as you honestly feel you can manage.