Back to School - Parent and Student Tips For a Strong Start to the New School Year

Each August, the annual “back-to-school shopping” trip allows for the promise of a fresh new start to the school year, where schedules stay organized by crisp new binders and planners, assignments are completed on time, and we have all the tools we need at our fingertips to keep us on-task and organized throughout the year.  

Sometimes it’s tempting to cling to the last days of summer and procrastinate tackling our back-to-school checklist, but your future self will thank you for adding the items below to that fresh planner (digital or hard copy) in order to set you and your child(ren) up for success in September. Designate a little time each week during the month before school for preparation, and any anxiety you/your child may feel about starting up a new school year may be replaced by eager anticipation, instead.

3-4 weeks from the first day of school: Doctor check-ups and completion of health forms.

This is a very busy time of year for doctor’s offices (especially pediatric offices); health forms that usually take just 2-3 days for a doctor to complete may take up to two weeks, so drop off any forms and medical authorizations that need a doctor’s signature now. Once you receive the completed health forms, make a few copies to keep on file at home.

2-3 weeks from the first day of school: Check on/complete summer reading and course assignments.

Check the school’s website to see if student assignments are due the first days of school, and block out a little time each day in your child’s calendar to complete their summer work.

1-2 weeks from the first day of school: Back to school shopping.

Even if your child is not necessarily chomping at the bit to get back to school, a few hours helping them pick out fresh school supplies or a new outfit for the first day of school can get them excited about the new school year.

1 week from the first day of school: Set up a designated homework space in the house.

Setting up a comfortable homework spot with all their school supplies neatly arranged can help your child feel prepared, organized, and ready to take on the challenges of a new school year. Invite your child to help set up the space with you, and make it feel cozy and comfortable with a few bright pillows, some photos, and warm lighting.

3-5 days before the first day of school: Review the back-to-school materials sent from your school.

Here are some suggestions for parents to keep on-track and connected during the school year:

• Bookmark your parent portal page (and write down your username/password or save it to a safe password location like LastPass)
• Print out a school contact list with teacher or advisor name(s) and email address(es), front office phone number, and instructions for who to contact if your child will be late, absent, or needs to be picked up early. Take a photo of the list to have on your phone, or put it on the fridge or another easily-accessible location.
• Pre-fill your online (or print) calendar now with important dates for the coming academic year such as professional days, school holidays, early release days, and back-to-school nights so that you don’t get caught off-guard. You may also want to subscribe to calendar alerts, if available. 
• Test out your access and get familiar with your child’s online learning management system (LMS). Most schools have an online dashboard with links to your child’s classes, where assignments and grades are posted. Parents may have limited access to this information; either way, it’s good to know whether you are able to see if assignments are missing or grades are posted. 

The day before school starts: Pre-pack backpacks with school supplies, lay out clothes, and get a good night’s rest. 

Make a morning checklist of everything your child may need to bring to school each day (lunch, homework, planner, water bottle, gym shoes or athletic equipment, music instrument, permission forms) and post it by the door. 

The first week of school: Set aside time for something fun!

Whether it’s a final trip to the neighborhood pool, a home baking session, or attending a sports event together, reserve some “fun” time for you and your child to celebrate the beginning of the school year. If your child likes, perhaps they can invite a new classmate or friend to come along! 

Starting out strong and establishing good habits early will help with the transition to a more structured schedule, even during those busy first weeks of school. Remember to leave some downtime in your child’s schedule so that they don’t feel too overwhelmed, and look for ways you can provide the emotional support your child needs, while also allowing them the independence to find their way and become their own advocate. 

Here’s to fresh starts, new beginnings, and a great start to the school year! 

Resources for SSFS Parents & Guardians:

• Download SSFS 2021 Summer Checklist