Did you blink? I sure did! Summer has breezed by, and I have found myself ordering back-to-school supplies, backpacks, and shoes for all my kids. It’s time to send them back into the classrooms for another year of learning, creating, and growing. Time to get back into a daily routine filled with morning hustles, school drop-offs and pick-ups, homework and projects, and bedtimes that will prepare them for another school day. It’s always an adjustment from the carefree summer days of sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and staying up late watching Instagram reels. It’s sad to say goodbye to another perfect summer, but also exciting to see what a new school year will have in store.
I have two college kids headed back to their campuses, one as a senior and one as a sophomore. I also have another high schooler in the house, who is ready to take on 9th grade and a senior eager to graduate and move on to her next chapter. There are so many milestones to cross this school year; in some ways, it feels similar to those middle school years. How will they juggle all their advanced courses? Will there be student support resources to help throughout the year? What can I do that will encourage them along the way? These are some great places to start as we prepare our children for another school year.
In this month’s feature article, Banish The Back-To-School Blues: 10 Ways To Build Better Student-Teacher Relationships, the author points out some great ways to foster a successful year by supporting your student and their school. One suggestion is to be there and get involved. Go to the open houses and meet-the-teacher nights. Walk the school with your student so that they can get the lay of the land and be confident in finding their way around the buildings. Also, gladly offer the teacher your help and tell her you are available to support the learning process in any way you can. This not only creates a supportive relationship with your child as they step back into the classroom, but it also opens the lines of communication with their teachers. Another tip is to stay in it with them throughout the year and be aware of any needs or struggles that may arise. Intervene early so that student success can continue. If your child starts to struggle with math concepts, reach out to the teacher and ask about support/tutoring services that might benefit your student. Or, if you see a change in behavior or emotions, talk to your child, and if necessary, reach out for help. Various support services exist in our community that work closely with the school systems to help ensure a path toward success for each student.
As you make back-to-school plans and think about after-school care and extracurricular programs, start with our 2024 After-School Activities Guide. In it you will find classes and activities from scouts and karate to theater and music, and everything in between. If undecided, ask to try a class or two and see if trying a new sport or fine art is a great fit for this school year. Also, as a bonus, many after-school care facilities offer not only homework and tutoring help but also host lessons like ballet and martial arts onsite.
Back to the classroom can be a challenge for most parents and students, but the excitement of new learning and growing can overshadow the anxiety of starting a new year. Be a parent who encourages and supports your student and the teachers, too. Set a positive tone, and it can be contagious.
