Resolution 1: No Sitting on Knees

When school starts in a couple of weeks, most students will head out on the first day with mixed feelings: eager to see their friends and scope out their teachers, but a bit nervous and even anxious about the challenges of the new year.

Because the new term means a new start, youngsters across the county say they will be looking for ways to shine and chances to make up for last year’s mistakes.

We asked students of all ages to share their back-to-school resolutions with us. Here’s what they said:

* “I’m going to try to not sit in my chair the wrong way. You have to sit your bottom on the seat. Last year, I got in trouble for sitting on my knees.” Second-grader Nichole Buck, 7, Foxborough Elementary School in Aliso Viejo.

* “I’m actually going to study this year.” Eighth-grader Briana Lopez, 13, Lakeside Middle School in Irvine.

* “I’m going to try not to get the teacher mad at me. I was talking too much in class last year.” Eighth-grader Michelle Pham, 13, Lakeside Middle School in Irvine.

* “Bring in homework and don’t try to make excuses--these teachers have heard all of it. They’ve heard ‘I lost it’ and ‘My dog ate it’ and ‘I was abducted by aliens last night.’ ” Robert (R.D.) Barba, 11, TeWinkle Middle School in Costa Mesa.

* “I want to be better in class. I always get in trouble in class because I talk too much and am loud.” Eighth-grader Beth Quinlin, 13, Ladera Vista Junior High School in Fullerton.

* “This year, I want to learn how to read. I want to be a Tiger Scout too.” Kindergartner Ryan Walsh, 5, of Anaheim, Far Horizons Montesorri School in Orange.

* “I’m not going to speak out in class. I’m going to raise my hand and wait to be answered by my teacher before I talk.” Second-grader Katie Andrews, 7, Foxborough Elementary School in Aliso Viejo.

* “I’m going to a new school this year, so I’m going to do better in class and make more friends. In Scouts, I’m working on my Bear too.” Third-grader Tres Walsh, 8, of Anaheim, Far Horizons Montessori School in Orange.

* “This year, I’m going to try to get no tardies. I didn’t have any last year.” Second-grader Ian Hays, 7, Foxborough Elementary in Aliso Viejo.

* “I want to get better grades because I don’t get good grades, I get C’s. I plan to work harder in class.” Eighth-grader Michelle Dinh, 13, Ladera Vista Junior High School in Fullerton.

* “I’m junior-class president, so the prom is my main thing. My goal is to really make it memorable. I also want to keep my grades up and be seen on the basketball court.” Junior Tiana Liufau, 15, of Anaheim, Los Alamitos High School.

* “I’m going to try my hardest at tests and study more, even though I get all A’s. I’m also going to get more involved in community service.” Eighth-grader Christine Ways, 13, Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine.

* “Hopefully, I’ll improve my grades by doing my homework. But I’m nervous about going to high school.” Ninth-grader Andrew McArthur, 14, University High in Irvine.

* “This year, I want to have a 4.0 grade-point average and work to be in the state finals in speech and debate. I was third in the county and in the Top 20 in the state last year.” Junior Elizabeth Leon, 16, of Garden Grove, Los Alamitos High School.

* “I’m finally going to get good grades. I had a very hard time last year. I’m going to try to listen to the teacher and not get distracted in class. I’m usually the person who’s always talking.” Ninth-grader Jasmine Mageno, 14, Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove.

* “I’d like to get a few more recruits to Straightedge, a group that stands for abstinence from casual sex, drugs, alcohol and tobacco or pretty much any addiction.” Senior Scott Coomes, 18, of Westminster, Marina High School in Huntington Beach.

* “I’m going to run for student council. I want to be activities commissioner, so we can have better activities. It was sort of boring last year.” Sixth-grader Jessica McArthur, 11, University Park Elementary School in Irvine.