Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Tips for a Successful Start

If you are like us, you are tying up all the loose ends before our kids' first day back to school! When thinking through the days to come, here are a few things we would like to share with you to help make a successful first couple of days of school for all of us.

The beginning of school can be a stressful time for both parents and students alike. This can be particularly true of the first few days of school. Earlier mornings, new routine, uniforms that don't "feel right", a rushed breakfast, walking into the unfamiliar... all these things make getting out of the car and saying goodbye tough. Be confident! Encourage your child that they are going to have a good day. Be sure that your child knows what the after school plans are (will you go through car line? pick your child up at the doors? ride the bus or stay for after school care?) and that you will be excited to hear about all about their day when you see them after school. When the time comes for them to head to their classroom with the teacher... Give your child a big hug, a smile, and let them know you are proud of them. Remember that it's just a few hours and that they are in fantastic hands!

When arriving at school to drop-off or pick-up, please obey the rules of the road even when on school grounds. Please don't block intersections and be sure to stay in the correct lanes. If you wouldn't cross a solid line driving around the Circle, you shouldn't cross a solid line when on the roads at the school. Please have a heightened awareness of those around you... there will be lots of little people that won't be easily seen with a quick glance! If you would like to walk your child into the school or pick your child up at the doors at the end of the day, please park in the parking lot and walk together. When you are utilizing the carline lanes, please remain in your car. Your student(s) should hop out of the car and head directly to the staff members working in car line. These staff members are there to be sure that your people get safely where they belong. Remember that this routine is new for everyone and that some extra patience and grace may need to be extended for the first few days until everyone is familiar with the routine. We are all excited to see our little learners at the end of the day and by using common sense and manners, we will be able to get to our kids with as little stress as possible!

Get a good night sleep tonight, have a healthy breakfast tomorrow morning, and know that we will be ready and waiting for you. It's going to be a great start to a great new year! See you in the morning!