7 Tips to Get Organized for a New School Year

If you PCS’d this year like we did, then you aren’t only sending your children off for their next level of education, but you’re sending them off to a new school, with new friends, and new teachers all while you’re trying to get settled into your new home. When you think about it like that, it seems a little crazy to manage! There’s no need to worry. I’m sharing a seven tips to get organized for a new school year.

So push the reset button and get ready for yet another fun-filled school year. Here’s how:

1. Re-establish old routines.

One of the best ways to help your child transition after a PCS is to get them involved in the same activities they were in before.

For example, if they participated on a swim team or played soccer, baseball, or basketball, try to find the same or similar activities and sign them up right away. Don’t wait for them to make new friends to see who’s doing what. Let your children find comfort in their familiar activity and make friends through it.  

2. Establish a bedtime.

We all know that proper sleep promotes better health, fights germs, and boosts learning.  

Even though it can be hard to reinstate a bedtime after a fun-filled summer and even harder when you haven’t had time to establish a normal routine, it’s a good idea for young children to have a regular bedtime.

3. Set up a homework station.

You may not have the house fully unpacked, and that’s okay! One thing you can do to help set up your kids for success is to create a homework station. Whether it’s a desk in their room or the table near the kitchen where you can help them while you cook, giving them a space free of boxes can help them focus on their school work.

4. Connect with the new teacher.

Connecting with your child’s teacher helps provide a peace of mind that they’re in the right hands. In our Back-to-School Guide for Military Families, Meg Flanagan, M.Ed says, “Chatting in person or through email can be a tricky situation, because as the parent, your first priority is your child’s well-being, but as a classroom parent, you understand that supporting the teacher is one of the best ways to make the year successful.”

To help create a strong line of communication, Flanagan explains that it’s best to start by saying something positive. Complimenting the classroom or sharing something in particular that your child enjoys doing can go a long way to ensuring that you and the teacher are on the same page and that you intend to do your part.

5. Review the school’s PTA or PTO pages.

PTA and PTO groups often host a meet-and-greet, which can be a great opportunity for you to get connected with other parents. If it’s a military dense area, you may find military parent groups or committees that can provide resources to help your transition.

6. Schedule your children’s yearly physical.

School and sickness go hand-in-hand, so it’s best to get your kids into the doctor for a check-up before school starts, if you can. This is also a good time to make sure they are up-to-date on any needed immunizations.

7. Prepare for sick days.

Kids are susceptible to sickness, and when you put them all in a room together breathing the same air, they’re likely to bring that illness home. One thing you can do to prepare, especially if you’re both working parents, is to have a babysitter on call who can help you out if you can’t leave work.   

And, it’s always a good idea to clean frequently used surfaces like faucets, handles, and doorknobs, and ask your children to wash their hands and not share drinks.

 

 

You’re not alone if you’re sad to see the summer go. Between your PCS move, exploring the area, and settling into your new home, it’s no wonder you may be feeling overwhelmed at the start of a new school year.  

But the great news is, not only will the regular routine help your kids acclimate to their new environment, but it will also give you more free time to get those last boxes unpacked!

By Danielle Keech for MilitaryByOwner

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MilitaryByOwner Advertising Inc

MilitaryByOwner Advertising Inc

Advertising Homes for Sale or Rent Near US Military Bases In 1999, the owners of MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc, David, (USMC,Ret.) and Sharon Gran, were stationed in Germany faced with a move back to the states. This move triggered the idea of linking relocating military families. In 2000, MilitaryByOwner was launched. Our website offers advertisements of homes for sale or rent near US military bases. Our home advertisers connect with other families in need of living near a military base. Our business advertisers provide valuable resources to help make a PCS move a smooth one. We strive to provide superior customer service by being available for questions through our live chat online, email and office hours. The majority of our staff is either military spouses or dependents who can relate to the joy and stress of a military move. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email or live chat! Office: 866-604-9126 9am-5pm EST Email Live Chat 9am-9pm EST Check out MilitaryByOwner here and on Facebook.

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