The 2020-21 academic year will look different. Whether your child is attending in-person or virtual classes, if you are looking to skip the back-to-school butterflies, here’s how you and your child can get ready for the day and make the transition easier.
Making the transition for first day of school easier:
The week before:
Set a reasonable bedtime
- Even if doing online classes, start the school routine a week before school starts so your children are adjusted to the school routine.
Back-to-school shopping
- Find out what you child may need for the upcoming year. Teachers may also ask for additional classroom supplies like tissues, baby wipes, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer and soap.
- If your child is home, they will still need supplies, find out if there is a separate supply list.
Meet the teacher
- Although your child might not be able to go into the school to meet his/her teacher ahead of class, some school districts may be offering virtual classroom visits.
The day before:
Check supplies
- Fill backpacks ahead of time with important papers, school information and make sure your children have everything they need on their supply list.
- If you're doing virtual learning, set up a quiet study area with everything your child will need. Make sure it is an area where they can't get distracted.
- Don't forget a mask! Click here for 11 things to consider if your school is requiring the use of cloth face coverings. Pack lunch
- Pack a lunch ready with different healthy snacks. If you have an elementary school-aged kid check out what to pack, and not to pack here.
- For virtual learners, and parents working from home, prepare lunches and snacks so they can quickly grab, without too much disruption.
The day of:
Eat a healthy breakfast
- Send your children off to school, or to the computer with a healthy breakfast that will keep them full and focused until lunchtime.
Understand the arrival and dismissal procedure
- Make sure you know if there is a staggered arrival procedure at school. Because of COVID-19 many schools are trying to control the crowds.
- Make sure that your child knows their bus number or who is picking them up at the end of the school day.
- If taking the bus or mass transit, make sure your child knows the rules, and has a mask. Click here for the eight changes to expect when using transportation to get to school during the pandemic. After school:
Homework space
- Have a designed space for your child to do their homework. Make sure it is a quick place where they are not easily distracted.
Paperwork
- Parents/guardians should fill out emergency contact information and look over any other important documents the school sends home.
- Learn what steps to take if you, your child or anyone you came into contact with becomes sick with COVID-19.
Success all year long
Communication with teacher
- Email and have regular phone conversations with teachers. If possible attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences. These meetings may be virtual, making it easier for some working parents to attend while at work.