Back to School: How to Get the Year Started on the Right Foot
It’s about that time again. Local retailers have marked down bathing suits, bubble-blowers, and backyard games, to make way for brand new back-to-school merchandise. Along with new crayons, pencils, and notebooks, comes the promise of new beginnings and new adventures. On August 22, 2016, Frederick County’s public schools welcomed back nearly 41,000 students throughout the county. As parents, we want our children to have a wonderful and exciting new year, but how can we help our younger and perhaps more nervous children to not only succeed but to flourish in the coming year?
In order to offer some concrete suggestions for parents, I sat down with Thurmont Primary School Principal Karen Locke and Thurmont Elementary School Principal Christina McKeever. Both principals—Locke, having been in the field of education for thirty-two years, and McKeever, embarking upon her third year as principal—offered many helpful strategies.
Establish a routine. Young children thrive on routine: a homework regime, a bedtime schedule, a morning plan. Institute a routine, and then practice it. For example, if your child is a bus rider, have him/her ride the bus right from the beginning. Give him that time to become acclimated to things. Once you establish a routine, try to keep changes to a minimum. So, for example, if grandma is planning to pick up your child from school on a particular day, ask her to pick him up from the bus stop, instead of having her come to the school to pick him up. This consistency helps children to be self-assured and reduces anxiety and stress. Make arriving on time a priority. A key element of a working, consistent routine is ensuring students arrive on time. Locke adds, “As grown-ups, we know how we feel when we are running late, but it is hard for them, as children, to adjust and catch up when they are late.”
Model an Optimistic and Encouraging Outlook. When unsure, children look to their parents and watch their responses to events. McKeever stresses the importance of a positive attitude. When parents model a positive outlook, children strive to emulate them. This will give them the confidence they need to succeed.
Prepare and Organize. Prepare as much as possible for the coming school day the night before. Have all of your child’s school supplies on hand and ready to go. Help your child decide on shoes and clothes, and place them out. Prepare lunches and backpacks the night before as well. Have organized locations for your student: a place where they will always place their shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, and other school supplies, so they always know where to put them and where to find them. Label everything, all coats, backpacks, sweaters, etc. Because the Lost and Found tends to grow as the year proceeds, this will allow children to quickly locate their belongings.
Help your Child Make Practical, Healthy Decisions for their School Day. In the beginning, children may ask for large lunches, complete with lots of chips and treats; however, as parents, we know this is not best for them. Students’ lunch periods are limited and, understandably, they like to use this time to socialize. Often students do not finish what is in their lunch; for the first week, students will be sent home with what they aren’t able to finish, in an effort to help parents save time and money in the future. You know your child’s nutritional needs best. Work with your child to help him/her learn to make healthy choices. For example, a lunch full of carbs may not be conducive to helping them get right back to work after the lunch period, and may instead leave them feeling sluggish and sleepy. Also, help them make practical decisions with regards to dress. Although flip flops may be a more comfortable shoe choice, they are not advantageous in running and climbing. By helping children make good choices, parents equip their children with invaluable decision-making skills.
Encourage Reading. Reading is vital to a child’s success. By reading out loud to your children, reading along with them, or having them read to themselves, parents help their children to succeed. Additionally, when parents model this behavior by reading themselves, they inspire their children to become avid readers.
Establish a Partnership with your Child’s Teacher. Communication is give-and-take and vital to a successful year. Communication tools such as student agendas, reminders, or folders will be sent home with pertinent information for parents. Parents and teachers are encouraged to keep the lines of communication open. If a problem or concern does arise, do not hesitate to talk with your child’s teacher. Resist the temptation to take your concerns to social media. Work together to problem-solve. Your child’s teacher should be your first point of contact for any questions or concerns. If talking with your child’s teacher is not an option, contact the guidance counselor or principal, depending on the issue. With regards to getting a swift response, Locke adds, “Email is the easiest way to ask a question and get a quick response.” McKeever agrees with the importance of communication and adds, “Parents should always feel comfortable reaching out; we are always here to listen.”
Stay Informed. Register your family with FindOutFirst (FOF), Frederick County Public School’s communication service. Emergency messages, weather-related closures, and other important messages will be sent out via FOF. Other modes of communication include: the FCPS website (www.fcps.org); FCPS social media (FCPS on Twitter and FCPS on Facebook); FCPS TV (Comcast Channel 18 in the Frederick area); and the FCPS mobile app (FCPS), which is free via Google play or the App store. Additionally, parent newsletters will contain pertinent information, such as messages from the principal, event dates and times, counselor messages, and teacher information, and will be distributed via FOF or email distribution lists.
Demonstrate Interest. Parents can take an active part in their child’s education and keep their child accountable. McKeever suggests, “Ask them about their day, not just by asking them how their day was, but by asking specific questions like, ‘What was one good thing that happened today? or What one thing did you learn in math class?’”
Get Involved. Parents are encouraged to get involved by joining the PTA, volunteering, and attending school functions, such as the Back to School Picnic on September 1 (from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Thurmont Community Park). Parental participation fosters the parent-student-school partnership; allows you to become involved, and demonstrates to your child that you value their education.
Above all, Locke gently reminds her parents, “It’s okay. We will take care of them. Trust us. It is okay to say goodbye and go home and cry…or dance…but know everything is going to be okay.” Of her staff, she adds, “This staff is unbelievable. They are magic makers. I am a richer person because of what they do every day. The people are powered by their hearts, and no decision is made without keeping the kids in mind.” With regards to the coming year, McKeever is enthusiastic and encouraging stating, “This is an amazing place to learn and grow, with the best staff in the county. I am excited about the new year and new possibilities. We believe in each and every one of our students and look forward to the vision of proudly excelling together.”
Gage Stup heads to his second-grade class with Mrs. Grimm on the first day of school at Emmitsburg Elementary School.
Gage Stup heads to his second-grade class with Mrs. Grimm on the first day of school at Emmitsburg Elementary School.