Back to School Bootcamp

It’s back to school! With APS officially two weeks in, private schools are following suit. To ensure a successful start to the year, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare your student:

1.     When back to school shopping, go prepared with your student’s list (supply list should be posted on teachers’ websites and/or given out at orientation).

2.     Color coding supplies by school subjects helps students stay organized. Be as specific as you can—down to the book cover, binder, and folder used for each class.

3.     Use a label maker to label everything (this includes uniforms, backpacks, and lunchboxes). For early learners, find out from your student’s teacher what needs to labeling and which supplies are communal.

4.     Print off school calendars to track important campus happenings, such as sporting events, curriculum night, and school closures (APS calendar is attached here).

5.     Research extracurricular opportunities your child can get involved in this year.

6.     Send a quick introductory email to your child’s teacher (this makes an impression when it comes to Open House!)

7.     Establish consistent after-school routines to ensure an effective (and smooth) start to the school year.

8.     Create a designated zone in your house for studying that’s free of distractions—noises, interruptions, and Instagram. Help your student decide which organization system is best for his/her learning style—a Lily Pulitzer planner? iCal? Outlook? A massive dry erase board? The first couple of weeks of school is the best time for some tweaking—find what works, what doesn’t, and what method is best to implement the remainder of the fall semester (reassess at Midterms).

9.     Research ACT/SAT/SSAT testing dates, if applicable to your student, and decide which timeframe is best for your family.