It’s that time of year again: back-to-school! Whether you’re a student heading off to a different school, or a parent getting your kid ready to start the new year, back-to-school season can be an exciting time. But there are also a lot of things to remember and prepare for. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy list of tips and tricks for starting the school year off on the right foot.
Make sleep a priority.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a great year is to make sure everyone gets enough sleep. Lack of proper rest can lead to poor concentration, mood swings, and even illness.
To help everyone get enough sleep:
- Start the day early. Try not to sleep in on weekends or holidays; this will give everyone time for a good night’s rest before Monday rolls around again.
- Create a new bedtime routine that includes plenty of relaxing activities such as reading or drawing—the ones that make everyone feel relaxed before going to bed so when it comes time for lights out, it won’t be hard to fall asleep quickly.
Check the schedule for the first day of class.
Before the first day of class, check to see if there is an orientation. If so, you can save time and money by attending this session rather than driving around looking for your child’s first class. Make sure you know where and what time your child’s first class is.
If you have any questions about orientation or schedules, contact the school office staff who can help answer those questions for you.
It could be fun to look at a map of the school with your child and go over their route for the day!
Find out about lunch options.
Finding out about the lunch options at your child’s school will save you time, money, and stress. Your child’s school should be able to tell you what types of meals are offered on a daily basis as well as how much they cost. Some schools may offer a variety of meal plans, including lunches that are pre-paid for the entire year or those that allow students to pay daily for whatever meals they choose each day. If your child is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) program, take advantage of this opportunity! It helps ensure that your child is getting nutritious meals while off at school!
Get school supplies.
Once you have a list of essentials prepared, make sure to shop around. You don’t have to buy everything at once, and it can be helpful to wait until you know what your student would like as well as their needs for the year. If you’re shopping online, use Amazon Prime! It’s free for students and gives them access to Amazon deals that aren’t available elsewhere.
If your child is going into high school, middle school, or elementary this year, consider stocking up on basic supplies such as pens, pencils, and paper. Even if they only need one grade level right now and won’t need a full set until later in their schooling career – it’s always a good idea to have some extra supplies on hand when they’re ready!
Make time to talk without distraction.
It’s important to connect before a new school year. As soon as the first day hits the schedule, life gets fast-paced and busy. Take some time to sit with your family without cell phones, iPads, or tv. Ask questions about expectations and feelings. Refrain from giving advice and just listen unless they ask for it.
Keeping the lines of communication open from the start can help the school year move smoothly.
Boys and Girls Club of Wooster enables all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Through Before School, After School, and Summer programs, we provide a safe, welcoming space for our members to learn, explore, grow, and develop into leaders in our community. Visit BGCWooster.org to learn more about who we are and how your partnership can impact the children and teens of Wooster, Ohio.