No matter where you live, if you have kids in the public school, and most private schools, they are going back to school next week.
Time is short. Most of you have probably accomplished the majority of the back-to-school preparations. If, like me, you still have a few things you've been waiting to finish, here is a bit of a master-list to check against.
Schoolwork in Summer?
- Check the school-recommended summer reading list and make sure your child read at least one of them.
- Finish any outstanding summer assignments, whether it's filling out a reading log, doing a math packet, or writing a book report.
Health and Well-Being
- The children need to start getting up 15 minutes earlier each day so they are in tune with their new schedule (in the case of my 12 year, I think I need 1/2 hour increments to make it) and go to bed earlier if they are used to a more relaxed summer schedule.
- Schedule a physical and/or eye exams if your child's birthday is in the next few months.
- Get extra medication and have the appropriate forms filled out if your child has a need to take medication during the school day.
Extras
- Sign up for afterschool activities like sports, tutoring, dance, gymnastics, or horseback riding. Remember to not overschedule.
- Sign up for before and afterschool care, if needed.
Mom and Dad's Back-to-School Needs!
- Buy yourself a nice, big activity calendar and put it someplace everyone can see. Take time each week to talk about what's coming up. Some families may choose to schedule a family meeting. I like to talk about the upcoming activities at dinner time on Sunday.
- Make sure you have your child's classroom and schedule information.
- Check the school calendar for the first day of school!
- Enter all of the school calendar information into your calendar.
- Put the school phone number in your contacts or in an easily accessible spot for when you need to report an absence or find out information.
- Check the bus route (if not driving) and tell your child what time they should get to the bus stop.
- Read the school handbook--especially dress code information (I feel like once may be all I can stand, but we should be aware of the rules). Make sure your child knows the rules.
- I like to get a couple of file folders each school year to save my children's art work and projects. I get an oversized folder for each child and write their name, the year, and their grade on it. I just keep it next to where I pay bills so I can easily put the things I want to save in it.
- Go to the school parent's night--you will find out the teacher's method of contact and other important details.
- See if your child has all of the items on the school supply list (now handily available on most school websites).
Lunches
- Negotiate with your children whether they will bring or buy lunch. If they will buy lunch (even if sometimes), make sure you have cash or understand how to use the school website to put money into your child's account.
- If you are the sentimental type, time to stock up on little notes so you can send a loving message with their lunch.
- Teach your children to make their own lunch.
- Grocery shop for lunch essentials.
The Details
- Make sure your children have alarm clocks and that the time is correct. Teach them how to turn it on and off.
- Get a "back-to-school" hair cut.
- When it comes to clothes, don't forget that the weather is still warm when school starts.
- Charge up the camera batteries!
Now for the basics
- Lunch box/bag
- Ice pack for lunch
- Thermos (nice change of pace sometimes)
- Water bottle
- Backpack/messenger bag
- Gym clothes, if needed, with an extra bag to carry them.
- Sneakers
- Extra pencils! I always need at least twice as many as the school recommends.
- A planner or agenda for keeping track of homework, if school doesn't supply
The one list I wish I had was the list of what clothing items and how many of each I need for my children. How many shirts are enough? Of course it varies by child, budget, and desire (or lack of) to do laundry. Maybe I'll finally figure it out this year.
All the best to those children heading off to the new school year!
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