Today is the first day of class for public schools in Prince George's County. Patch checked in with Shane Kurtz, a 5th and 6th grade English and Social Studies teacher at Paint Branch Elementary School, and asked him to share his top five tips for having a great school year:

1. Come to school ready to learn.

2. Be on time.

3. Follow directions.

4. Get along with others -- both students and teachers.

5. Have high expectations for yourself.

There you have it. Happy first day of school!