Happy New Year?

August, 2025

When you are an educator, a student or a parent of a school-age child, you have 2 New Years! The first one, of course is January 1. It's the world's celebration of a new start. In the education world, however, September is the second New Year. It is the reset, the second chance and the opportunity for children, parents and teachers to have a fresh start. When I was in the classroom, it was always my favorite time of year. I loved new supplies, clean desks, positive attitudes and a roster of student names that held hope for a great year.

As a parent, we send our kids off to school with the blind faith that their teacher will be skilled and kind and that it will be a year of growth, friendships and great memories.

Wishing and hoping for a positive experience can only go so far. Planning and preparation are the steps that can ensure a great year. Here are some tips to get you there:

1. Organize your home with designated areas for backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, school papers, and school supplies, at the ready.

2. Help your child to clear out areas in their room to make space for the coming year. This means closets, desks, etc. It might be time to gather those outgrown clothes, shoes, and old books to make a Goodwill donation.

3. Build a bedtime routine that starts a week or two before the first day of school. 30 minutes earlier each evening to bed makes the school schedule less painful.

4. Build new responsibilities into your child's routine with each school year. Is this the year that he/she could maintain responsibility for unpacking their backpack each evening, prepping their lunch, or making a quick grab and go breakfast for themselves? This is

   an opportunity for personal growth and independence.

5. Get excited for the new year! Communicate your positive feelings and confidence that he/she is going to do great things!