My goodness, where did summer go? It seems like the kids just got out of school, with the lazy days of summer stretching out ahead of us. And yet, here it is the start of August with all those back to school things to purchase. Have you gotten your registration packet in the mail? Even though both of my kids are returning to the same district, I am still required to fill out three pages of information on each child.
Like me, some of you may be returning to the same school system this year. Others have PCS’d to a new area and new schools. Even if you are within the same district your child may be switching from elementary to middle or from middle to high school. These are all important transitions for which to prepare.
Back to School brings $$$ to my eyes. New clothes, new supplies, new uniforms – new everything, it seems. While these checklists are important, don’t forget those items that are not as obvious.
If you are starting a new school do you have transcripts from your former school? Are IEP’s and student portfolios up to date? www.SchoolQuest.org has individual profiles for each student to equip them with a customized plan. Spending just 5 minutes filling out the question returns a wealth of knowledge from the convenience of your own computer. You will be sure to uncover some information you had encountered. This will all work together to help you plan the best school career possible.
I’d like to share some ideas that have helped us smooth the transitions.
· Take time to go on a tour of the new school building. This will help you envision your child’s day and helps your student feel a little more comfortable with the new environment.
· Many times schools will offer an orientation for new students, and if not, take the lead and request an orientation.
· If your student will be changing classrooms throughout the day, walk through their schedule and locate their classrooms to give them a head start on the first day of school.
· Take advantage of all the new school has to offer. Attend Meet the Teacher night, and gather all the phone numbers and names that you can – these will come in handy.
· Create a file at home where school information is stored so it is easily accessible at all times.
· Make learning the new school a family adventure and accompany your child when appropriate.
www.SchoolQuest.org and www.MilitaryChild.org are there throughout the year. Our goal is to serve you. We have researched topics that are especially pertinent to military families such as schools and life transitions. Come in and be our guest!
- posted by Amy Soupene, the MCEC’s SchoolQuest Program Manager
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