Planning for Back to School

Back to School

Doesn’t summer always seem to fly by? The school year ends and, before you know it, a new one is barreling down right at you! Do you spend a lot of time looking forward to summer? Then this is your time of year and you will want to preserve every precious moment. Avoid scurrying around during the last weeks of August and pulling things together for going back to school. Plan ahead and dodge the rush.

Your Family’s Schedule 

Start with the essentials. While you are tracking the remaining summer activities, get familiar with important upcoming dates for school and put them on your calendar. If you keep a family calendar and a separate one for yourself, many of these dates will go on both.

• Health Exam Does your child need a physical before school starts? If he or she is playing competitive sports at the high school level, a new physical is needed every year before athletes are even allowed to practice. For everyone else, New York State requires a new physical for those entering grades K, 2, 4, 7 and 10. If your child is changing schools, a new physical will also be needed no matter what grade they are entering.
• First Day of School  Mark it on your calendar. What are the school hours? What is the bus schedule? Is there school orientation? If you don’t have the answers, check your school’s website for a calendar of events or make a phone call.
• Back to School Night  Some schools schedule this event as early as the first day. Whatever the date, it is best to get it on your calendar right now.
• Summer Reading and Assignment Requirements  Just doing the reading may not be enough. Does your school verify your child’s summer reading or assignments? There may be an essay due or a short quiz coming up on opening day. Get out the summer reading list and see if there is any “fine print” explaining those important details. Better to do a little catch-up reading now than to have your child start school feeling out of step.

Your Family’s Shopping 

• School Clothes  Cynthia Ewer of OrganizedHome.com says that August is second only to the holidays in sales for clothing retailers. By observation, we can confirm that is true. Just look at the increase in ads and knockout sales promoted on TV and other media. Her recommendation is to take assessment of what your child has that still fits, then determine what is needed. Make a list and shop early and strategically.Budget pinch? Here are some tips to stretch those back-to-school dollars: Determine what has to be new. Sneakers and shoes are at the top of the “must buy” list for both health and hygiene. We simply don’t purchase used sneaks, and for good reason! Search the newspapers and go online to find the best sales. Even pricey retailers may be running killer deals.
• SWAP: Some of the best dressed kids are wearing pre-enjoyed hand-me-downs. No one would know it, though, because the original owner grew too fast to wear them out! In other cases (especially girls) making a trade spices up their wardrobe at no extra cost, and can be fun. Trade party dresses, for instance. Party dresses are seldom worn and it’s expensive to have a new dress each time your child has something special to attend. Close friends of similar dress sizes can have fun sharing. Just take very good care of the garment, returning it clean and ready to go.
• UNIFORMS: Does your child’s school require uniforms? At very least, the school may require specific attire for gym class. Find out what it is and shop in advance. Private and charter schools may have a “Used Uniform Sale” where you can get good buys.

Your Children’s School Supplies

• Shop At Home Many of us have untapped resources right at home. Go on a hunt for unused folders, pencils, pens, and markers and see what you come up with. Get out the supplies list provided by the school and start checking off what you already have. Then make a shopping list based on what’s left.
• Coupons and Sales  Peruse the newspapers in search of the best buys. Many retailers also offer coupons online. Find them, print them, and go! There are some great blogs, such as Posh on a Budget (www.poshonabudget.com) and Dime at a Time (www.savingadime.com), that keep you on top of sales, coupons and giveaways hosted by national store chains such as Target, Wal-Mart and Staples. Subscribe to these sites to be alerted every time there is a new opportunity.
• Back Packs  Book bags have a short lifespan. Straps, buckles, and zippers break with the weight of the books and by the end of the school year the bag may be shot. Many stores will have great sales on back packs. Take advantage of them. Families who are really struggling financially may not be able to do it, though, even with the best sales and coupons. If that’s you, keep your eye out for Back Pack Giveaways. Churches and other non-profit organizations host backto- school events. They give free back packs to needy families filled with notebooks, folders, pens and pencils, crayons, calculators and other great supplies. Do not hesitate to participate if you need this help. There will come a day when you can return the favor.

Would you like to help now? The Open Door Mission, located at 156 Plymouth Avenue North in Rochester NY, is collecting school supplies until August 31 to assist families in need. More information, along with a supplies list, can be found on their website atwww.opendoormission.com/events 

Now that you have a plan, schedule your shopping days to be few and with fun in mind. Stop for an ice cream break at Abbott’s or a quick lunch. Make it an experience – something the whole family will enjoy as one more part of a great summer!

Sinea Pies is a contributing writer to the Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. She lives in the Rochester area and often writes about organizing, time management, parent & family, education, cooking, nutrition, faith and dogs on her website Ducks ‘n a Row. Www.ducksnarow.com

START WITH MAKING A CHECKLIST THAT COVERS THE BASICS:

1. Appointments and Other Important Dates

2. Shopping Lists