September
Have you done these three important things yet? If not, NOW is the time! (Click on pictures for links)
Countdown to School Success
Reach out to your child's teachers
Attend meet the teacher night, orientation, or other welcome events, but don't stop there. Make a point of introducing yourself and learning about class activities and expectations for the year. Find out how each teacher prefers to communicate. Many use email as the main form of contact, but phone calls and conferences (make an appointment first) are usually welcome, too.
Get in the groove
Establish healthy at-home routines for school days, such as consistent waking times and getting-ready patterns. Decide on a regular homework time, and create a comfortable, quiet work space. Set bedtimes that allow elementary-age kids to get 10 to 12 hours of sleep; teens should get 8½ to 9½ hours.
Time things right
Stay on top of everyone's school, activity, and work schedules with a free online calendar or a smartphone app.
Pack smart
Make sure your child's backpack never weighs more than 10 to 20 percent of his body weight; heavy packs can strain developing muscles and joints. Encourage your child to use both straps, and tighten them so the pack hangs close to the body, about two inches above your child's waist.
Commit to volunteering
With help from parents like you, your school can offer many more programs and services for your kids. Join your school's PTA and ask about volunteer opportunities in the school community and your children's classrooms.
10 Questions to Ask Your Child about His/Her Day
(These will help you gain a greater understanding of your child's school experience and elicit more than a one-word response)
1. Tell me about the best part of your day.
2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
4. Tell me about what you read in class.
5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?
6. Do you think math (or any subject) is too easy or too hard?
7. What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they’re fair?
9. Who did you sit with at lunch?
10. Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?
Community Happenings
Grapevine Library Calendar (lots of FREE activities for kids, adults, and families)
Euless Library Calendar (ESL classes, after school activities, and other classes)
Colleyville Library Calendar (Rocket Readers, Teen volunteer trainings, and other classes)