A school reporter and mother offers help transitioning from the dog days of summer to the more harried ones that follow.
By MICHELE MILLER
Published August 1, 2004
Once again it's time to roll out those back-to-school tips that have been compiled over the years I've been doing this gig.
Some advice has been constant: Kindergarten teachers still appreciate a quick exit from doting parents dropping their little ones off that first day of school. It cuts down on the crying jags that are usually over seconds after Mom or Dad leaves the room.
Some is newer: Pay for school lunches online to prevent that midday phone call from hungry kids.
The following are bits I've drawn from teachers, parents and my own motherly experience. Take what you will and leave the rest.
1. "Accentuate the positive." Talk up the educational experience and set positive goals for the coming year. School might not have been a highlight in your life, but you survived and now it's your kid's turn. No doubt there will be some glitches along the way, but learning how to handle them in a positive manner is a worthy life lesson.
2. Attend registration day/open house. Take advantage of these opportunities to experience your child's daily environment, meet teachers and learn their expectations for the coming year. For instance, if you know that spelling tests are given every Friday, then you'll know to have your child study every Thursday night.
3. "Early to bed, early to rise." If you don't want your kids running on empty that first week of school, now's a good time to get them (and you) adjusted to the school wakeup and bedtime schedule. Start your routine now - from bath to bedtime stories to bed.
4. Dress for success. School uniforms make back-to-school shopping a whole lot easier for some parents. For the others, it's probably best to know how long your daughter's skirts should be and whether flip-flops are acceptable footwear before you head to the stores. Picking out clothes the night before can make mornings less stressful. No one likes to hear, "Mom, have you seen my jeans?" 10 minutes before the bus arrives. For the little ones, make life easier for them and their teachers by purchasing clothing that is easy to get in and out of in the bathroom. And give them a say - the night before - in what they want to wear. Don't forget sneakers on P.E. days.
5. Make sure they eat a good, healthy breakfast - at home or at school. If your child is hungry, he won't be able to think about much else.
6. Apply sunscreen. With Florida summers, recess, P.E. classes in open fields and walking outdoors to and from classes, your children need protection from the sun.
7. Lunch:
Brown baggers, think healthy. Sneak some lettuce in that sandwich, throw in a piece of fruit and forget about the sugar-laden treats. Go for the 100 percent fruit juice or even better, bottled water that can be frozen overnight and put in their lunch box to keep that tuna salad sandwich from spoiling. A napkin is essential; a "have a nice day" note adds a nice touch. Don't forget to label that lunch box with a permanent marker.
Buying the school lunch? Talk to your kids about making good choices, like salad. Consider paying in advance by check, or online at www.mylunchmoney.com If you're paying with cash or a check and you have young children, put the payment in an envelope bearing the child's name, student I.D. number for Pasco schools, the teacher's name and what the money is for.
8. "The wheels of the bus." If your child will ride the bus, consider going on a dry run of the route before school starts. Looking for landmarks along the way will help young children remember where their bus stop is. Review the safety rules. Both parent and child should memorize the bus number - essential if there's a problem or the bus runs late. Avoid the inclination to drive your children the first day if they're going to be regular bus riders. This will avoid any confusion and help them better adjust to the routine. Those who can, should consider providing an adult presence at the bus stop. Buses tend to run late the first week of school, so be patient.
9. Driving your child? Be prepared to wait in long lines at the car loop, especially the first week and when it rains. Be aware of proper dropoff, pickup and safety procedures.
10. Make a quick exit. Don't linger in the classroom if you're dropping off your child - particularly preschool or kindergarteners - that first day. Hanging around often makes it tougher on the child and the teacher trying to welcome all the children and get them settled in their new surroundings. Preschool and kindergarten parents dealing with their own separation anxiety should consider attending the "Boo Hoo Breakfasts" offered at many Pasco elementary schools.
11. Talk it over. The day's done; now's the time for sharing. Express great enthusiasm if your child gives you a blow-by-blow description and be thankful, because this is unusual indeed. Don't be satisfied with "Nothing" when you ask what they did at school. Check out the papers in the backpack and fill out and return any essential forms. Get in the habit of signing and looking over your child's student planner. Parents might want to save thir children's initial papers to compare with schoolwork done later in the year.
12. Don't let it fester. If there are any concerns, be sure to address them immediately with your child's teacher - diplomatically. If you're happy with how things are going,let them know that, too.
13. Volunteer. If you're a stay-at-home parent or lucky enough to have a flexible work schedule, consider volunteering when you can. That might mean coming in regularly, taking an hour to help with the holiday cookie bake, or spending the day chaperoning a field trip. These days go fast, so enjoy them.
14. "Read, Read, Read." Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You'll Go says it all. Just ask teachers and they'll tell you the key to a successful education starts with reading. That means at home and at school. Be sure to set at least 15 minutes aside for reading every day - for you and your child.
