Be Ready for Back to School

A Web site called USA.gov aims to make the United States government and its many offices more digestible for citizens. When it comes to back to school preparation, the site doesn’t let its readers down. There you can find links for national government suggestions on getting ready for the classroom.

At Patch, we focus on the local ways we can find you resources.

There are many suggestions the government has for getting prepared for the new school year, which is rapidly approaching in Montgomery County. In the coming weeks, all of the county’s 22 public school districts  - including Hatboro-Horsham School District on Sept. 4 - will return to the classroom.

The site suggests the following steps to prepare for school. Here’s what to get in order locally:

1. Get your children’s check-ups and immunizations caught up.

Residents of Montgomery County can check here for guidelines on immunizations by age, as well as locations for free shots.

2. Find out about financial aid

From college tuition, to a first-grader’s lunch, parents have to worry about the purse strings. Free lunch programs offered via the USDA can be helpful in this pursuit.

3. Be prepared with homework help

Montgomery County students can turn to the county’s public library system for help with homework, as well as standardized test practice.

4. Shop for school supplies

Check your child’s school’s Web site if you are unsure of their classroom needs. Specialized stores like can be a great spot to find those unique educational supplies.

5. Plan healthful lunches

The Montgomery County Department of Health offers a free nutrition educational service, with a program to address “proper eating habits for all ages” with content that includes the food pyramid, importance of fruits and vegetables and incorporating calcium-rich foods into a diet.