Introduction
Many schools will begin soon. Even though the summer months have been filled with free and unstructured time for the entire family, the hour has come to prepare for what lies ahead.
As a family engagement influencer, I would like to share some important suggestions for parents to consider to help their children get ready for school. These recommendations also provide useful information for parents to get involved in their child’s education, too.
Tips for Getting Ready
- If children will be packing a lunch each day instead of purchasing one at school, parents must determine who will be responsible for preparing them at home each day. In addition, parents should begin to buy the lunch supplies that children will need. Some of these things include lunch bags; water bottles; sandwich bags; disposable forks and spoons; insulated containers; and hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.
- A lot of school districts in the United States are experiencing a shortage of school bus drivers. Unfortunately, older students enrolled in middle and high schools are now forced to ride public transportation to and from school. Parents or other family members should spend time with their children walking to their bus stops at their designated times and riding their assigned bus. Families should discuss applicable safety precautions unique to their round trip daily ride. Consideration should be given to having the child ride their bus route alone or with a neighborhood friend who will also use this mode of transportation.
- The parent of any student who requires medication during their school day should provide the school with the relevant medical documentation for the administration of the proper dosage. Additionally, the medication should be given to the appropriate school official like the school nurse or school administrator.
- Students who will be new to walking to their school should also practice getting to and from their school building. If the child is young, parents should either opt to practice the walk with their children or find older children in the neighborhood who will remain committed to walking with their youngsters each day. The parents of older students may opt to incentivize this responsibility to ensure that the older child will remain a diligent helper.
- Parents must comply with any medical, dental, hearing, or vision requirement designated for their child’s age. All documentation should be given to the school promptly.
- Parents are urged to talk with their children about any mask policy that exists at their school to prepare them to keep theirs on while at school. This is especially critical for students who have only attended online school throughout the pandemic or have never attended school before.
- Whether new or pre-existing, children and their parents should organize their school clothing, shoes, socks, undergarments, and accessories. Ironing, folding, mending, and cleaning these things ahead of time will contribute to organized evenings and mornings at home once school starts.
- School supplies required for school should be purchased and organized in backpacks, pencil cases, and notebooks. Just as parents made sure that their children had a dedicated workspace at home to facilitate their participation in virtual classes last school year, the same space should exist where homework is to be completed.
- While sleeping habits tend to be disrupted during summer vacation, students need to get back on their school schedule. Parents need to make sure their children begin going to sleep and waking up the time that they do when school is in session.
- Parents should sign their children up for any activity or event they are required to within the designated timeline. Sadly, failing to do so may exclude students from participating.
- Students who were given summer assignments and learning packets need to complete them. Parental influence is critical with this.
- Parents and other family members need to spend time having healthy conversations with students about the upcoming school year. This includes things like reviewing the importance of children putting forth their best educational effort and reviewing behavior expectations at school. Parents must also encourage their children to believe that their quality education will contribute to their promised-filled future.
- Student treatment plans, diagnosis, and other supporting documents must be provided to the school before the first day of classes to ensure that education teams develop Service Agreements, Individualized Education Programs, Positive Behavior Plans, and other types of supports and services that learners are entitled to receive. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure that this happens.
- Parents should connect with their child’s teachers and school by reading all communications sent to them electronically or in the mail. This includes attending in-person or virtual orientations and meetings held before students begin their first day. Students will have an increased chance of experiencing overall school success when parents are involved and participate in their learning. In addition, families need to know what’s going on at their child’s school.
Considering these ideas will help students and parents have a happy and productive school year.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Are there other things that parents need to do to ensure that their children have a successful school year? If so, feel free to add them here.
Let’s have a conversation about everything that families need to do to get their children and themselves ready for school.
. . .
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Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube Channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ.
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This post was previously published on A Parent Is Born.
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