Back To School Checklist

Before School Starts

• Establish a firm bedtime before school starts.
• Figure out a plan for balancing homework and play time
• Set rules for the time spent on non-school projects.
• Arrange for your child to play with others in his age group before classes start.
• Determine when your child will do homework.
• Create a workspace for your child at home.
• Discuss your child's feelings about starting school.
• Talk with your child about his daily school schedule.
• Get your child's vision checked.

School

• Enroll your child, if not already registered from the previous year.
• Find out what day school start.
• Check what time your child should arrive.
• Fill out emergency contact sheets.
• Notify the school about any health problems or medications.
• Find out the best method of contacting teachers.
• Know what your child is expected to learn in her grade level.
• Familiarize yourself with the information on the school website.
• Read the school handbook and make sure your child understands the rules.
• Determine how your child will be getting to school and then plan the safest route.
• Practice getting to school with your child.
• Arrange child care or after-school activities.
• Make sure your child knows where to go after school each day.

School Supplies

• Contact the school to see if it has a required supplied list.
• Allow kids to choose their own school supplies.
• Find out whether supplies will be stored at school or kids bring them home each day.
• Buy a backpack.
• Review the school dress code.
• Buy school uniforms and gym clothes, if necessary.

Your Calendar

• Mark school events on the family calendar.
• Attend the back-to-school program.
• Schedule and attend parent-teacher conferences.
• Meet leaders of the parent-teacher group.