Tips for a successful Re-Start school year

What a great start to the school year! I visited each school on Tuesday morning and it was so much fun to see the excitement and enthusiasm of students, parents and staff.

With our Re-Start, more students had adjustments this year than in years past. That can be exciting, but also a little scary. It’s important for parents to understand that a little apprehension is normal when trying something new and meeting new people. However, this is also a wonderful opportunity for our children to grow and learn to adjust to change. 

I found a few tips from Education Corner, Great! Schools and Education.com, that might be helpful. Here are some tips that all three mentioned: 

o If you and your child attended open house, that did a lot to relieve anxiety and build excitement for the first day of school. 

o Stay positive - There is nothing that will help your child maintain a positive attitude toward their new setting than your positive attitude. If you’re concerned about the transition, and you let it show, your child will be concerned too. It’s okay to discuss your child’s fears and expectations, but reassure them they’re going to have a great year. Sometimes it’s helpful to let your child know that every other child is going through the same thing they are.

o Make it a team effort - Nothing is more reassuring to a child, especially a younger child, than knowing that you’re going to be with them every step of the way. No, you’re not going to sit with them in class, but you’ll be there to listen to them before school and after school or during the evening. If your child is older, keep an open line of daily communication. Making sure you’re physically and emotionally available for your child will help them make a smooth transition.

o If you haven’t already, make sure that students begin a school year bedtime routine. To avoid the morning rush, help your child organize what they can the night before. Lay out clothes and assemble any supplies your child may need. Be sure to let kids wind-down before bedtime, replacing screen time with calming activities like stories, talking or bathing at least 30-60 minutes before bedtime. 

If there is a problem, we want to know so we can problem solve with you and your child. Many times it boils down to communication. Please don’t let a problem go on for so long that it will be more difficult to get corrected. 

Please log in to your Skyward Family Access Account and verify that your contact information is correct. This is an important communication venue for us. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, especially about ideas that will make our school district better! My phone number is 218-894-5409. My email is mary.klamm@isd2170.k12.mn.us.