The end of summer vacation is nearing and the start of school is something all parents look forward to and dread at the same time. Getting your kids back into ‘school mode’ with earlier bedtimes, studying and schedules can be a rough transition after a summer of freedom. However, it is one that is important to start now to help ease the stress of starting school and make it more enjoyable for parents AND kids. Checklists are a useful tool to help prepare and remember all the items needed in the coming weeks. Start working on some of these other tips sooner than later to be ready- school is just around the corner!
- Schedule your child’s wellness physicals and immunizations with your provider.
- Start getting kids back on a school sleep and early rise schedule now.
- Buy school supplies early and get your lists from the school to avoid extra trips later. *American Falls School District provides kids with all necessary school supplies.
- Help ease fears by familiarizing your child with a new school or classroom.
- Let your child help pick out school supplies, backpacks, and clothes to get them involved.
- Start organizing carpools or transportation arrangements for school and other activities now and have a back-up plan ready for last-minute disruptions.
- Review safe bus and walking routes with your children for a well-established plan.
- Have a grocery list and plan for packing weekly school lunches and snacks or contact the school to be sure lunch money arrangements are made or you sign up for food assistance if needed.
- Establish a study routine and area in your home with no distractions and good light.
- If your child needs the internet for school purposes, make sure you are using a safe browser option and check their browser history regularly.
- Read through school conduct rules with your children. Make sure they understand them and advise them there are serious consequences for violating them.
- Take the time, to carefully review with your child the stack of papers sent home by teachers and the school! There is a lot of important information in there (email/phone contacts, rules, etc.) so keep it in a safe place or take a picture of the information with your phone.
- Stay in the loop with teachers and school notices, activities, and child’s grades by signing up for your school’s recommended auto messaging or app options!