Back to School - School Bus Safety, School Supplies

Back to School Tips, School Bus Safety and Buying School Supplies

School Uniforms

Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's body weight.
Always use both shoulder straps. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may also increase curvature of the spine.
Consider a rolling backpack if allowed at your school.
Ever hear of a Clear Backpack? Some high schools favor the clear backpacks for safety reasons and making student security checks faster.

If your child rides a bus, have them at the bus stop five minutes prior to the buses arrival.

Supervise young children walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop. (check out Jenson's for bike helmets)
Have children stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals them to enter.
When being dropped off, have children exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus.
Have them use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
Have your children stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's okay to approach.
Teach them to be aware of the street traffic around them. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!

Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
Set aside ample time for homework.
Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Online tutors are convenient and effective for older children.

Many schools send out school information and a packet of forms to fill out before school starts. If you can discipline yourself to fill out the paperwork several days before it's due, you'll avoid a last minute panic.
Have the necessary immunization records available for easy reference.
Update school emergency contact and health information for the coming year.
Check with your emergency contacts and make sure they are still available for back up. Keep a copy of your finished form to speed up the process next year.
As you read through all the school information, mark important dates (such as Back-to-School Night, parent-teacher conference week and school holidays) on the family calendar.
Label, Label, Label; All items that will be taken to school or worn and taken off at school!
Make a calendar to place in a visible spot; fill in events and school vacation days.

Pick clothes for the next day and pack the backpack every evening before bedtime and you'll save precious time in the morning.
Pack your lunch.
Make it a family rule that your child has you review things in the evening, so there are not any last minute "test signatures" during the harried morning time.
Leave backpacks and other items you want to take with you by the front door or in an established place so that you won't forget anything in the morning.
Before school begins, discuss what extracurricular activities your child will participate in.
Go over school rules with your child.