HomeAugust 2015Back to School Checklist

Back to School Checklist

0815schoolchecklistThe first day of school can be as hectic as it is exciting. Try making a back-to-school checklist to help make sure nothing falls between the cracks.

First Steps

• If you have any questions, you can call the school district with questions about your child’s school.

• Verify what day classes start and what time your child should arrive.

• If they’re not already enrolled from a previous year, make sure your child
is enrolled.

• Fill out all the emergency contact sheets and any other necessary forms.

Check Medical Requirements

• Double check that your child has all required immunizations.

• Schedule a physical exam for your child (if needed) to participate in school activities.

• If they’re due for an exam, get your child’s vision checked before
school starts.

• Notify the school nurse, the principal’s office and your child’s teachers about any health problems or medications.

Stock Up on School Supplies

• Check the school website or call for a list of required supplies.

• Inquire whether or not your child will store supplies at home or at school.

• If they’re getting a locker, buy some locker-sized organizational and decorating materials.

• Buy a backpack or bag to carry
daily items.

• Review the school dress code.

• Buy school uniforms and gym clothes, if necessary.

Learn as Much as You Can About the School

• Find out whether the teacher prefers to communicate by phone, email, or written note.

• Know what your child is expected to learn in his/her grade level.

• Familiarize yourself with the information on the school website.

• Note the phone numbers for checking school closures or reporting absences.

• Find out the procedure for taking your child out of school early.

• Read the school handbook and make. sure your child understands the rules.

• Review the school’s Federal
Report Card.

Get Involved

• Mark school events on the
family calendar.

• Attend the back-to-school program.

• Schedule and attend parent-teacher conferences.

• Introduce yourself to the leaders of the parent-teacher group.

Plan Healthy Meals

• Make sure you have healthy snacks on hand for breakfast and after-school snacks.

• Find out how much school breakfasts and lunches cost.

• Snacks- Are they available on campus and/or can your kids bring them from home?

• Ask where to obtain weekly school lunch menus.

• Alert school staff if your child has a severe food allergy.

Arrange Transportation

• Practice getting to school with your child.

• ON FOOT: Walk the route together, introduce yourself to the crossing guards (once school begins) and review pedestrian safety guidelines.

• BUS: Make sure he/she knows where and when to be picked up before and after school.

• BICYCLE: Review road safety and make sure they wear their helmets.

• Arrange a carpool if necessary and introduce your child to the other adults and children.

• Compile contact information of parents who can pick up your child in an emergency.

Make After-School Plans

• Arrange child care or after-school activities.

• Don’t over do it! Choose extracurricular activities carefully to avoid overscheduling.

• Make sure your child knows where to go after school each day.

Help Your Child
Prepare for School

• Arrange for your child to play with others in his/her age group before classes start.

• Make sure your child knows where to go after school each day.

• This one is important but often overlooked. Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school and talk over any concerns.

• Talk with your child about his daily school schedule.

• Talk about peer pressure with your child.

• Help your child memorize your home address and home and work phone numbers.

• Tour the school with your kid(s) so they she can find her classrooms, the restrooms and the cafeteria.

• Schedule a time for you and your child to meet his new teachers.

Lay the Ground Rules

• Establish a firm bedtime before school starts.

• Plan and arrange for a suitable spot in the house to do homework.

• Create a plan for balancing homework and play time.

• Set rules for the time spent on TV, video games, and computer use for non-school projects.  _

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