Guide: Back to School Preparation 2020

The 2020-21 academic year will look different. 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.

News 12 Staff

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Sep 14, 2020, 4:49 PM

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Updated 1,480 days ago

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.

Look out for signs of bullying or stress
-As the school year moves forward, communicate with your child to see if they are feeling stressed in school.
Signs your child is being bullied from Stopbullying.gov
Signs your child is feeling stressed from Scholastic

For more tips on the first day of school click the links below:
CDC guidance on schools
HealthyChildren.org