Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

Since school is back in session, now is a great time to review school etiquette. Practice the following tips and you are sure to have a great school year.

• At the bus stop- Stand in line to wait for the bus. Watch for cars and stay out of their way. Do not run around or horseplay. You could get hurt.
• In the classroom- Always respect your teacher. Do not talk back, lie to or be disrespectful to your teachers. Do not talk when they are talking.
• In the cafeteria- Practice using good table manners and always speak to the lunchroom staff and compliment them when they serve good food. If you don't like what's being served, don't gripe and complain. Be sure to clean up after yourself.
• In the restroom- Help to keep the bathroom clean. Do not try to flush rolls of paper down the toilet and throw your paper towels in the trash can.
• In the media center- Always enter quietly and whisper when you do speak. Check out the books and return the promptly.

 Be a good role model for other students and have a great school year!

You've heard the word gentleman before?  Just because you are a boy or a man doesn't automatically make you a gentleman. Let’s talk about what does. Learning to be a gentleman starts early in life. Start by practicing at home with your mother or sister.

Open and hold the entrance and exit doors for them. Also, help girls and ladies to be seated by pulling out their chairs for them. Practice opening car doors for them too. As you grow up and begin dating, your date will appreciate being treated like a young lady and her parents will like you as well.

When riding on a bus or train and all of the seats are taken, a gentleman will always offer his seat to a lady. If she says “no, thank you” insist that she take your seat anyway. When she does, she should respond with a “thank you.” Gentlemen should also keep themselves nice and neat. Good personal hygiene and grooming habits are important to practice every day.

Here are some personal hygiene and grooming tips to remember:

• Keep yourself neat and clean
• Take a bath or shower every day and don’t forget to clean your ears
• Brush your teeth two or more times per day
• Wash your face
• Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat
• Comb or brush your hair every day
• Put on clean clothes
• Use deodorant
• Tuck in your shirt
• Never play in your dressy clothes
• Tie your shoes
• Always clean up after yourself

Remember, a real gentleman always has good etiquette. Next, we’ll look at what makes a girl a young lady.

Just because you are born female does not automatically make you a young lady. Let’s talk about what does.

Learning to be a young lady starts early in life. The following tips will help you begin practicing:

Standing and Walking

• Hold your shoulders up and back.
• Keep your stomach in.
• Tuck your hips under.
• When walking, be sure to pick your feet up. Never drag your feet.
• Hold your head up.
• Let your arms swing naturally.

Sitting

• Always sit with your legs together even if you are wearing pants.
• If you are wearing a dress or skirt, smooth the skirt or dress underneath you before sitting.
• Cross your legs at the ankles.
• Be sure to let boys help you with your chair and thank them when they do.

Personal Hygiene and Grooming

• Always keep yourself neat and clean.
• Take a bath or shower every day and don’t forget to clean your ears.
• Wash your face.
• Brush your teeth two or more times per week.
• Use lotion.
• Use deodorant.
• Do not bite your nails.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Comb or brush your hair every day.
• Put on clean clothes.
• Be sure to clean up after yourself.

Also, allow gentlemen to open and hold doors for you. Be sure to thank them. Using profanity (swearing), lying, popping gum loudly and talking extremely loud are not ladylike.

A real young lady always has good etiquette. Remember, if you want to be treated like a young lady, you must act like one.

Prom time is approaching fast and when planned carefully, it can be one of the most memorable times in your life. When making plans for your prom, consider the following questions:

Who will be your date?

After confirming your date for the prom, be sure to sit down and discuss the details. Communication is very important so that everyone will know what their role is.
Discuss what time you will leave and ask your parents what time you should return. Adhere to your curfew rules so that you may go out again soon.

Who will pay for the evening?

Be clear about who will pay for what. Never assume the other person is paying. No one should have to be unpleasantly surprised or unprepared. Discuss this in advance.

What will you wear?

Prom attire can be quite costly, so select something that you can wear for another occasion. You may also consider renting a dress to save money. Also, be sure to select comfortable shoes so that you can have a great time on the dance floor.
Tuxedos should be reserved early enough to allow alterations.

How will you wear your hair?

Schedule your hair appointment early and describe in detail the style you want. You may want to show the hairstylist a photo if it is difficult to describe.
Guys don’t forget to visit the barber.

How will you get there?

Will you drive? Will your date drive? Or, will you rent a limousine?
Limousines are a great and safe way to go to the prom. This service can be very affordable when the rental fee is divided among several couples. There are eight-passenger to 14-passanger and more super stretch cars.
You can relax, kick back and be chauffeured in style. Reserve early.

A note to the young men…

When you pick up your date, never blow the horn for her to come out. Go to the door to get her. Greet the parents, ask them what time she needs to be back and assure them that you are a responsible gentleman. Be prompt!
Don’t forget to open the doors for her and remember to bring her a corsage.

A note to the young ladies…

Don’t forget to pick up a boutonniere for your date. Be sure to carry yourself like a young lady and insist on being treated like one. Also, carry emergency money with you on prom night and any other time you go out on a date, just in case you need to take a cab home. Be prepared!

Prom time is an exciting time to dress up and have fun with your friends. Don’t be pressured into doing anything that you should not do. This night does not have to include drugs, alcohol or sex.

Remember to practice good etiquette and have a fabulous time.

Do you share personal information at work? It's kind of hard not to tell your co-workers things about your private life. After all, these are the people with whom you spend at least eight hours a day, five days a week. You're practically living with them—you spend more time with your co-workers than you do with your own family. If you don't talk to them you may lose your mind.

When you forget someone’s name, say “What was your name again?” They’ll respond with their first name, which somewhat hurt that you forgot. Then emphatically reply, “No, no, your last name.” Much relieved, they’ll happily oblige.

You now have their first and last name without insulting them. Works every time. 

I can't believe how loud she's talking.  The person on the other end must have turned the volume control way down in order to save his or her hearing.  This lady needs to click on the technology link on this website right now to learn some "use of technology" tips.

Remember it is not always what you say it's how you say it and how loud you speak. Be considerate of those around you when using your devices. Only you should hear the conversation intended for you. Be sure to end your phone calls before interacting in person with customer service personnel.

Many businesses have posted signs disallowing you to be on your device when you are being waited on.

Your choice of colors can make powerful statements about you and it will certainly influence how people perceive you.

For example, if you want to be thought of kindly – it may not be a good idea to show up for a job interview with a conservative company wearing lime green or neon pink. A theater company may not mind, but IBM definitely will.

Wearing red to a funeral or white to a wedding, unless you are the bride, of course, are two universal no no's. 

Also as you select colors, pay attention to your skin tone and hair color. Certain colors will make some hues look pallid, and you definitely don’t want the color of your hair to clash with your clothes.

Here is what some colors say: 

• RED: A high energy “power: color. It’s attention-getting. Think about red lights. They make people stop and look.

• ORANGE: Appealing. It suggests informality. Makes you appear friendly. You are perceived as gregarious, enthusiastic and considerate.

• YELLOW: It’s the best attention-getter in the color spectrum. It makes you more alert and aware and signifies hope, glory, and optimism.

• GREEN: Because it’s nature’s most abundant color, it’s the most refreshing and restful color to the eye. It makes people feel comfortable and secure. Makes you seem compassionate, open and nurturing. That’s why the color is often used in hospitals and why doctors wear green scrubs in surgery.

• BLUE: It’s the color of water. Water has a calming effect. It signals respect and responsibility.

• BROWN: Makes you appear friendly. Signals stability, support, and practicality.

Answer: The best way to get your children to get along is to teach them how to communicate effectively with each other and to respect each other.