BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST

First Steps

• First of all enroll your child (if he/she is not already registered from the previous year).
• If you want to know anything regarding the school or any information in your child’s perspective, make a list of questions & give a call to school management & inquire accordingly.
• Get the School Schedule in place which comprises of school timings and on which day classes start and what time your child should arrive at the school.
• Carefully fill out emergency contact sheets and any other required forms.

Check Medical Requirements

• Before sending your ward to school, make sure your child has all required immunizations.
• Schedule a physical exam for your child if necessitated to participate in school activities.
• Get your child’s vision checked before school begins if he/she is due for an exam.
• Notify the principal’s office, the school nurse, and your child’s teachers about any health problems or medications of your child.

Stock Up on School Supplies

• Check the school website or call for a list of required school supplies.
• Find out whether students will store supplies at school or bring them home every day.
• Buy a nice and durable backpack or bag to carry daily items.
• Buy a nice lunch box and water bottle to carry lunch and water.
• Buy required books, notebooks, stationery, art & craft material well in advance.
• Review the school dress code.
• Buy school uniforms and shoes, if necessary.

Learn About the School

• Find out whether the class teacher prefers to communicate by phone, e­mail, or written note.
• Know what your child is expected to learn in his/her grade level.
• Read carefully the information on the school’s website.
• Note down the phone numbers for checking school closures or reporting absences of your kids.
• Find out the modus operandi for taking your child out of school early if any case arises.
• Read the school handbook and the information and instructions written in it and make sure your child understands the rules.
• Review the school’s reputation and facilities it will be providing to your kids.

Plan to be involved

• Mark school events on the family calendar so that you don’t forget them and could prepare your kids accordingly.
• Attend the back-to-school program so that you can gather the latest information or any updates from the school and teachers.
• Schedule and attend parent–teacher meetings for sure, because this will help you in knowing teacher’s views about your kids & to present your views, expectations from  them.

Plan Healthy Meals

• Stock up your kitchen with nutritious food for breakfast, lunch and after-­school snacks.
• Find out whether snacks and drinks are available at school or can be brought from home.
• Ask the school’s canteen what they offer for kids to eat.
• Alert the school staff and the class teacher if your child has a severe food allergy.

Arrange Transportation

• Try going to school with your child as he/she might feel much more comfortable in your company.
• Choose the means of transportation carefully:
• Bus: Make sure he/she knows where and when to be picked up before and after school.
• Bicycle: Review road safety and make sure he/she has a helmet.
• On Foot: Walk the route together and review pedestrian safety guidelines.
• Arrange a carpool if necessary and introduce your child to the other parents and children.
• Take down the contact information of parents who can pick up your child in an emergency.

Make After­ School Plans

• Arrange for the after­school activities and the child care.
• Choose extracurricular activities cautiously to avoid over-scheduling.
• Make sure your child knows where to go after school each day for example to a sports complex, for tuition, music or dance classes.

Help Your Child Prepare For School

• Make arrangements so that your child can play with others in his age group before classes begin so that he or she can learn how to play and study among the kids.
• Talk to your child about his/her feelings about starting school and talk over any other concerns.
• Talk with your child about his/her daily school schedule.
• Talk about peer pressure with your child.
• Ensure that your child memorizes your home address and home and work phone numbers.
• Tour the school with your child so he/she can find his/her classrooms, the restrooms, and the cafeteria.
• Arrange a time for you and your child to meet his new teachers and introduce them with each other.

Lay the Ground Rules

• Fix a firm bedtime before the school begins.
• Assign a proper place where and when your child will do his/her homework.
• Figure out a plan for balancing homework and play time of your child.
• Set rules for the time spent on TV, video games, and computer use for non-­school projects.