T-Minus Four Weeks

Try as we might to ignore the responsibility of getting the family ready to go back to school and squeeze out every last drop of the carefree days of summer, reality is setting in. The clock is ticking and the first day of school is looming bigger and bigger on the calendar. Did you know that in East Haddam, school starts on August 31st? Really.

Back to school preparation may very well be able to be done the night before the yellow bus emerges from its summer hibernation, but it is not recommended. Here is a basic checklist of things to do to prepare so that you are not completely stressed out when the first day suddenly arrives. Starting early can not only reduce stress, but save money too.

1.  Annual Physical: Call and make appointments at the doctor’s office for an annual physical. Asking to be put on the waiting list and be willing to go at a moment’s notice if there is a cancellation may mean not having to wait for months for an appointment. While at the doctor’s office, request a copy of the most recent immunization record. Don’t forget the tetanus shot. Request at least one copy of the physical. File the copies at home, for easy access during the school year. Dowload the public school Health Assesment form for your school system.

2. School Documentation Requirements: If your child is just entering public schools or is a transfer student, check with the school to confirm what documentation is required. Double check your files, make a copy of all required records, and put them in a packet. Drive them to the school office and hand them in, asking the school to confirm that your packet is complete.

3. New School Clothes: Inventory the clothing and accessories for each child. Typically, kids grow over the summer, so be sure to have them try on all clothes, footwear and outerwear. Keep in mind that there are dress codes in place. Nathan Hale Middle School, for example, does not allow t-shirts with offensive or demeaning slogans, skirts above mid thigh, shirts that expose the midriff or accessories that have spikes.

Once you’ve determined what still fits, that is acceptable in accordance with school dress clothes, it is time to start shopping. Rather than walk store to store to comparison shop, do online shopping. If you can order online and have it shipped to your door, all the better. If not, at least you are saving time and frustration by determining sales locations and prices ahead of the shopping day.

One final tip on back to school clothes shopping. If you have several children to ‘outfit’ for school, why not try to arrange a trip with you for each of them individually? The dreaded school shopping can be made into a fun day out and a special time with each child. Break up the trip by taking them for a meal at the restaurant of their choice. School shopping and bonding all in one.

4. School Supplies: Each store is competing with the others for your dollars and many places have supplies on sale now. Most stores post weekly sales circulars online. Bookmark Staples, Wal-Mart, Target and other stores and then keep an eye on the sales. Staples, for example, has been selling highlighters, pencils and index cards for a dime this week. What a great way to stock up without spending a lot.

5. Summer Homework: If your child has summer reading that needs to be done, or other types of homework, now is the time to have them complete the work. Local libraries are very helpful in locating books on required reading lists. The Rathbun Library also offers homework help to students.

Final Thoughts: To prepare yourself and child for the school year, locate the student handbook in the digital backpack of the school. Review the policies and procedures on thing such as dress code, using cell phones and other electronic devices. Links to each school in town can be located at the main website.