Back to School: What Really Matters

Just like that, here we are in full blown Back to School season! There is so much to do and think about and it's likely that your child is also getting hyped up worrying about who their teacher(s) will be and if they will get lucky enough to have their closest friends in their class.  With so much on your plate, it can be easy to get wrapped up in trivial things, so take a moment to step back and think about these important things that should be at the top of your back-to-school checklist.

Register for School

Okay, I know some of you are reading this and thinking, Hello captain obvious! Of course, I need to register my kid for school! However, I am a teacher, and I am there on the first day of school when there is a group of parents looking flustered in the office mumbling something like, “My kid went to school here last year. I don't know why I have to register them again.” So, trust me when I say someone out there needs to hear this!  Every school year you have to register your child for school.  A lot can change over the summer in people’s lives and schools need to make sure they have the most current information as well as get firm numbers on how many students to expect in each grade before school starts.  Most schools now offer options to do this both online and in person.  During the registration process you can usually pay any annual school fees, pick up school supply lists and find out about any upcoming school events or new requirements for the school year.

Schedule Any School and/or Sports Physicals

Make sure your child has an up to date physical along with any immunizations that are required. Each state has different requirements, but many have their own “physical form” that they want your physician to fill out and sign when your child gets their annual physical.  In addition, oftentimes there is a different form required for sports physicals if your child plans to participate in school sports so check with your school on that as well.  You can obtain these forms from your school, or if you are lucky your physician’s office will have them as well.  Save yourself some time and frustration by checking on these requirements and being prepared so that you can get it all done in one visit if needed.

Get Those School Supplies (But Don't Stress!)

Again, yes, I know this one is obvious, but I wanted to include it to remind you not to freak out if there is something on the school supply list that you can't get your hands on before that first day of school.  In fact, as a mom of four kiddos myself (3 of which have finished school), I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run around frantically trying to make sure my kids had everything on the list only for them to come home from their first day with a different, more detailed list from their teacher. UGH!  And yes, as a teacher, I know this is something we collectively need to improve on.  The bottom line is, get what you can off of the list and know that if there is something you are missing it's ok and you still have time because you are more than likely going to have to make another trip to the store during that first week anyway.  

Attend Back to School Day/Night

Schools around the country do this differently, some having a “Back to School” event before school starts and some after.  Either way, I think it's important that you mark down on your calendar when it is and attend.  If your school has this before school starts, it really helps take the edge and pressure off of that first day for students.  They usually get to meet their new teacher, walk around the school and it's a great opportunity for you as well to meet their teacher and ask them about those supplies :) It’s also just nice for you to meet them so that they can put a face to your name and vice versa.  Remember, your child’s success in school this year is a joint effort between you and their teachers! 

Get Prepared for Homework and Study Sessions

Homework and evenings spent studying for tests is just around the corner. Take some time to designate a study area and buy extra school supplies to keep at home because you know they are going to forget them at school the very day they need them (glue sticks, tape, paper, pencils, sharpies, blank posters, calculator, scissors).  And you know that most of those regular homework help and study sessions are going to be centered around math and we’ve got you covered!  This year we are launching our new Math Hero Membership for Parents available for grades 3rd - 6th grades! Never worry again about spending time searching the internet trying to figure out how to help your child with their math.  Math Hero is your go-to math resource providing tutorial videos, comprehensive skill guides with step-by-step example problems and extra practice problems with answer keys!  If you have ever wished there was a way to help your child succeed in math without spending a significant amount of money as well as time scheduling and driving to and from expensive tutor sessions, this membership is for you!  Not ready for a membership yet? Get your FREE Grade Level Math Guide now, ready for you to download and print. This valuable resource will help you stay informed about what your student will be learning throughout the year and serve as a handy reference whenever you need it.

Start this school year off right and on a positive note.  If possible, work in one last fun activity with your kiddo to bring some closure to summer break and spend some meaningful moments with them before things get super busy.  Then take some time to get prepared and let them know that you will be there supporting them when school starts and it's going to be an awesome year!