Tools

Amy Sanders, school psychology specialist at Conway Public Schools, gives parents these tips to help prepare families to head back to school.

1)      Establish a family routine before school starts. It’s hard to go from the relative freedom of summertime to the school schedule without a transition period. A couple of weeks before school begins, start going to bed and waking up at the hour the school year demands. Practice setting out clothes the night before, and make trial runs of breakfast time in the morning.

2)      It’s a good idea to email your child’s teacher(s) before school starts to briefly introduce yourself and your child. Let the teacher know you plan to be involved. If it is possible for your family, offer to help stock the classroom with extra supplies and other necessities. Most teachers’ email addresses can be found on the individual school or district website.

3)      Talk with your kids about any concerns they might have about their new grade and school year. Discuss realistic behavioral and academic expectations for the year with each child.

4)      Most of all, enjoy this new adventure in your child’s life!