Parents: Organization Tips for the New School Year

Getting back into school mode is sometimes as difficult for parents as it is for kids.  It is important to designate some time to organize schedules, shop for supplies, and set healthy routines for the family.

School Calendars

Take a few minutes to note important events, vacation days, and testing times.  Use a highlighter to make your school events stand out from the others.  If you have more than one child in the district in different schools, use different colored highlighters or pens to represent each child on the calendar.  This will allow you to determine who has an event on a particular day with a simple glance.  Review school guidelines and review important details with your children.   Make sure the calendar is in an easily accessible place. 

In addition to the school calendar, consider using a large desk or wall calendar as well as a daily planner.  A large calendar will allow you to preview a week or month at a time.  It will also allow you the space to note activities, meetings, due dates, and more.  Daily planners that can travel with you are also important tools.  Again, use different colored pens to differentiate between the different members of the household.

Before you can fill up your calendar completely, you will need to make a list of the various activities you and your children will be involved in.  Be sure to include a tentative homework time each evening.  Take note of days of the week that might have conflicts and brainstorm some possibilities to resolve those conflicts before they occur.  If you discover that you have overextended yourself, scale back on the afterschool activities. 

In Case of Emergency Numbers

Designate time to gather important phone numbers such as the nurse's office, the main office, and even the cell phone numbers of parents who share the bus stop with you.  Be sure to enter these numbers into your cell phone.  If you have an emergency situation while you are away from home, you may need these numbers.   In addition, be sure that you have updated school emergency contact cards and early dismassal forms.  If for some reason, you cannot be contacted in an emergency, you want to be sure that the  school has a trusted friend or neighbor on file.

Routines

Reestablish nighttime and morning routines.  Set bedtimes and study times so kids are encouraged to get into a healthy pattern.  Set limits on television, video games and other diversions.  Consider setting out clothing for younger children in the evening to prevent morning indecision or dreaded meltdowns.  

Ask your children to organize their backpacks in the evening as well and check them to avoid scrambling in the morning.  Encourage teens to select their own clothes and organize backpacks as well.  Be sure to set the alarm early enough for kids to dress and eat breakfast without rushing.  Racing to the bus stop is not the best way to start the day.

Make sure your children attend the scheduled school orientations.  It is always reassuring to meet teachers and see the rooms where children will spend most of their day.  Ask your children if they have any worries or concerns for the school year.  A healthy discussion and parental reassurance can go a long way. 

And finally, stay focused

Start the year with a focus on academic and personal growth by brainstorming some realistic, attainable goals.  Ask your children to consider why the goals are important and how they will achieve the goals throughout the year.  Set an example by setting some goals for yourself, too.

The start of the school year is an exciting time which can quickly become chaotic and stressful.   Do your best to start the year organized and prepared.  Setting healthy habits for  your children will encourage lifelong success in school and beyond.  

Michele Shulman is a graduate of Hofstra University where she majored in English and earned both a B.A and M.A.   She taught English at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens and Farmingdale High School, here on Long Island, before taking a leave of absence to raise her children. Currently, she teaches SAT preparation classes and tutors privately.