Get Ready Parents
 Move over summer – a new school year is coming! Each school year bring on new schedules, school functions, meetings, car pools, after school activities, and much more. Start planning and take steps to get organized now for any easy transition into the school year. Posting a family event calendar on the refrigerator to keep track of everyone’s busy schedules is a great way to start!
To avoid a hectic first day of school, start easing your children back into a school year routine gradually. For example, start waking up earlier, eating breakfast and preparing lunch; that way your child will start to come out of “summer vacation” mode and get into “back to school” mode.
Check Ups and Immunizations
It’s a good idea to take your child in for a physical and eye exam before school starts. If your child will be participating in a sports activity, your family doctor may have to sign a release form giving the ok to participate.
Most schools require your child to have their immunization shots up-to-date. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any questions or concerns about the vaccines your child is scheduled to receive, and remember that each state has different immunization requirements. Try to get this done early, so you won’t have to worry about it the week before school. It’s also a good idea to get a copy of record of the shots for yourself and your child’s school. School entry may require documentation from immunization records so be sure to contact your school ahead of time an find out what documentation might be required, and be sure to bring any school forms for your healthcare provider to fill out and sign.
Note: Failure to keep immunizations up-to-date could result in your child not being able to attend school.
Shopping for School Supplies
During the month of August, some states are offering "sales tax holidays" which means, for a set period of time, certain products won't be taxed. This is a great opportunity to save some money on back-to-school items, including clothes and shoes.
Use this easy back to school supply checklist (divided by grade level) to help you get started. You may also receive a list from your child’s school for other specific items. Some easy shopping tips:
- Make a list and stick to it!
- Check sales fliers – large discount stores, office supply stores, and grocery stores.
- Shop early so you won’t be caught empty-handed if supplies run out.
 Keeping Your Child Safe
Kids’ commute to and from school
Whether on a bus, in a car, or taking a walk, or allowing your child to bike ride to school - getting your kid to school is part of your daily routine. Be sure to share with them some basic information for safe travel to and from school. Also be sure to your child has all contact information for members in the family, and to discuss and have a plan in place should your child be let out from school early, or if you are running late in picking them up.
Bullying
Bullying is more common than adults realize and parents may be unaware of any bullying problems. Bullying just doesn’t happen on the play ground or on the athletic field, but can also occur on-line – also known as cyberbullying.
Unfortunately parents/adults are often unaware of bullying problems because these problems often take place on school grounds or on-line, or simply because a child does not report it for fear of retaliation by those kids doing the bullying. Kids may also fear that adults won’t take their concerns seriously. Talking openly with your child is important. Be watchful for behaviors and other signs that your child might be a victim of bullying.
Kids learning online
If you’re helping your child with homework, there are plenty of resources for them on the internet. But to help them be safe online, here are some great sites to check out:
Note: Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.
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It always seems like the summer has flown by and a new school year is just around the corner. Take some time to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead.
Get Ready Kids
