Your Back-to-School Guide

We can’t believe it either, but school is back in session next week! While we had a shorter summer break than normal, getting back to school and into a familiar routine may just be what a lot of us need. But, it can still be hard getting back into the swing of things! In this blog post, we’re highlighting important things you should know & do in order to make this back to school season as smooth and seamless as possible. 

Get to know the schedule

Familiarizing yourself with the school schedule before the year starts will help you prepare for what’s to come and make planning other things like doctor appointments or trips easier. The Palm Beach County School Board has the 2021-2022 calendar available online now, where you can view days off, holiday breaks, when the quarters start and end, and much more. We recommend getting a dry erase wall calendar like this one from Office Depot to keep track of it all. 

Schedule doctor appointments

The health and safety of your child is always a priority for us parents, and getting them ready for a return to school in times like this requires lots of preparation and precautions. Be sure to schedule a general check-up for your child (and you, while you’re at it!) before they head back to the classroom and know not only the vaccines that your school requires, but also the vaccines the CDC recommends for back to school season.

Grab school supplies

To make the most of discounts and get in and out of stores quickly, you’ll surely need a school supplies shopping plan! Tax free weekend has already started and will last until Aug. 9. During that time, all school supplies, clothing, and certain electronics will be available for purchase without their usual sales tax. Before you head to the store, take inventory of what you already have at home-- you’ll probably be surprised with how many blank notebooks and pencil cases you find stuffed in a closet somewhere! Then, use a list when you head to the store. Here’s a resource that has a school supplies list for every grade! Or, your child's school may have their own unique school supplies list they provide families with-- be sure to check their website to see if they do! 

Set up a study space

Whether your kids have a desk in their room or they study at the dining table, creating a focused area where work can be done will set them up for success! If you have a designated desk space in your home, invest in a desktop organizer where they can keep all their textbooks, notebooks, supplies, and more. If your kids do homework from the dining room table, kitchen counter, or any other area that serves another purpose, keep school supplies in a caddy so it can be taken out and put away easily. Be sure to stock up on extra paper, index cards, and writing materials to keep at home, too. Need some help with motivating them to study? Here’s a resource from the Child Development Institute. 

Plan recreation activities

Balancing school time and playtime is just as important for your child’s mental health as it is their physical health! If they’re not involved in a school sponsored sport, consider looking into after school sports clinics or recreation programs that will let them have an outlet to expend energy, be creative, and have fun with friends! The YMCA and Sugar Sand Park both have after school sports programs like triathlon training, gymnastics, and basketball. For a more creative route, the Boca Raton Museum of Art School offers teen & youth art classes like ceramics and pottery! 

Have a safe & smooth back-to-school season!