Back-to-School Tips

With the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 13, now is a great time to start preparing for an easy transition back to the classroom. Here are a few simple tips to help your family get ready for a successful school year.

Ease Back Into a School Routine

Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times by 10 to 15 minutes each day. This gradual change helps everyone's body adjust to the upcoming school schedule. The same approach can work for phones and other devices. Turning them in a little earlier each night can help establish healthy habits before the school year begins.

Remember that consistency is key. While getting back into a routine can be difficult after a relaxed summer schedule, establishing those habits before the first day will make the transition much smoother throughout the school year.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Now is a great time to gather school supplies and stock up on breakfast foods, lunch items, and snacks before the first day.

The night before school starts:

• Lay out first-day outfits.
• Fill water bottles.
• Pack backpacks.
• Set out lunch boxes.
• Place cold lunch items together in the refrigerator for an easy, quick grab the next morning.

Getting everything ready the night before can help prevent the unexpected happenings, forgotten items, and last-minute scrambling that can make everyone late. Planning ahead also leaves extra time for first-day pictures and arriving at the bus stop or school a little early.

If your child doesn't have a specific supply list, consider reaching out to their teacher to see if there are classroom items they could use, such as tissues, dry-erase markers, or pencils.

Break In New School Shoes

If your child has a new pair of school shoes, have them wear them around the house for a few days before school starts to help prevent first-day blisters.

Create Your Family Routines

Establish routines that can continue throughout the school year. Consider creating a designated spot for important school papers, using a family calendar to keep track of school and extracurricular activities, and setting up a quiet space for homework or independent reading.

Prepare Mentally, Too

Getting ready for school isn't just about backpacks and supplies. It's also about mindset.

As the first day approaches, begin talking with your child about the opportunities a new school year brings. Encourage a positive attitude about new classes, activities, teachers, and friendships. Focusing on excitement and opportunity can help ease first-day nerves and encourage students to approach the year with confidence.

Encourage Meaningful Conversations

During dinner or at another time together each day, ask specific questions about your child's day. Instead of simply asking, "How was your day?" encourage conversation by asking them to share one good thing and one challenging thing that happened. These questions can help lead to more meaningful conversations.

Reassure Your Child

It's normal for students to feel nervous before the first day of school. Let your child know those feelings are okay, acknowledge that starting something new can feel challenging, and remind them that you believe in them and will be there to support them throughout the school year.

Build In Extra Time

The first few days of school can mean longer lines and a little extra waiting during drop-off and pick-up as everyone settles into new routines. Giving yourself a little extra time and expecting things to move a bit slower can help reduce stress for the whole family.

A little preparation starting now can help your family feel confident and ready to kick off a great school year. We look forward to welcoming students back to Mustang Public Schools on Thursday, Aug. 13!