Beginning a new school year is exciting and brings new possibilities. As we inch closer to the start of the academic year, you can ensure you’re ready to send the kiddos off.
The transition from summer to school year can be a tough one for kids so organizing a schedule before you jump back in may be beneficial. Having open and honest conversations about what is coming and challenges that your children might face can help build lines of communication as the school year and pace of everyday life picks up.
Andrew Pruitt, director of communications with the Charleston County School District, shared some tips and recommendations to keep in mind as you’re prepping for the shift.
1. What are tips for parents as they transition kids back to school?
- Start getting your kids to bed earlier, a few weeks before the school year starts, so they are prepared for the schedule.
- Familiarize yourself with the academic calendar. Keep a hard copy handy in a common area in the household.
- Make sure you have completed a returning or new registration form for your child. Visit ccsdschools.com/registration to register your child for school.
2. What wellness tips (mental health) do you have for parents?
- Establish health routines for sleep, activity and technology (including social media).
- Prepare for some anxiety and talk through it with your child. Remain calm and do not project your worries onto them.
- Identify supportive adults that your child can talk to in their school and encourage them to ask for help when needed.
- If the school has an Open House or Preview Day prior to school starting, attend.
3. What things do parents need to have prepared for returning to school?
- Make sure they have registered their child(ren) for the upcoming school year and that their contact information (including emergency contact information) is up-to-date.
- Review the state requirements for immunizations for your child(ren). The school nurse will need an updated copy of the immunization record if your child recently received vaccinations.
- If your child needs to take prescription medication during school hours, please bring the completed doctor’s order and medication to the nurse.
4. What would you like parents to know as their children transition back to school?
- Good attendance is vital.
- Familiarize yourself with your school’s website and social media platforms.
- If your child will use a bus to get to school, familiarize yourself with the First View app and the bus routes (information is available on the Transportation page of the district website).
- Attending schools’ Facts and Fees/Meet the Teacher nights right before the school year starts and Back-to-School nights early in the school year are important in building relationships with the school community.
- Consider joining the school’s parent-teacher organization or School Improvement Council.
- Download the CCSD Mobile App
By Cari Lawson
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