The Leader Board

Steps to a Successful Start

Transitioning Back-to-School

Kyle C. Arlington, Superintendent of Schools

Summer 2023

September tends to sneak up suddenly. Those late-evening sunsets inch closer to 7:30, and notebooks and backpacks move to the front of every store. Before you know it, it’s back-to-school season. 

Although the start of a new school year signals a welcome return to learning, socialization, and activity, it can also be a challenging transition. Adjusting from unstructured summer days to a busy school routine can be difficult for lots of children (and adults)!  

As an educator and father of two — including a son starting kindergarten — I’ve started to put more thought into how to enter the school year as successfully and stress-free as possible. If you’re also contemplating how to shift your family into back-to-school mode, consider a list of goals. There’s something about making a list that instills an instant sense of organization. 

Here are some additional suggestions to ease into September and establish healthy habits to last all school year. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to successfully transition back to school. Rather, I hope the ideas below spark some thinking (and conversation). Before you make your own list, settle in with an iced tea — or your drink of choice— on the patio (it’s still summer, after all) and read on. 

Count down to a new sleep schedule 

Earlier bedtimes might be children’s least popular part of heading back to school, but it’s an important step. Try an incremental approach by setting alarms a half-hour earlier each week or 10 minutes earlier each weeknight. Most importantly, temper expectations. It’ll take time to regulate sleep schedules, so don’t be too concerned about first-week-of-school yawns! (I’ve seen lots of kindergarteners doze off on the carpet in the afternoon of their first week of school and just as many teenagers needing an after school nap). 

Set a time and place for homework  

Children across grade levels need an at-home working environment conducive to concentration. Ask for your child’s input in determining a dedicated homework spot, such as a desk or a corner of the dining room table. Ideally, electronic devices that are likely to distract children in the work area should be limited to those required for assignments. However, there are lots of kids that need to work with headphones and music on. I think that’s okay. Talking about the technology they need vs. the technology that will distract them is an important conversation to have with children and young adults. So too, is discussing when they will complete homework. We should acknowledge that all children are different. Some are at their best when they complete homework following a brief after-school break. Others prefer to get it out of the way right away.  

Build trust and independence 

The start of a new school year offers older students an opportunity to develop independence. Let your children know you trust them to take more responsibility for completing homework and managing their time. You can empower them even more by asking what organizational tools and study techniques will work best for them. Make it clear that if grades start to drop, you will return to a more hands-on approach until you are confident that they can handle the workload without supervision. However, we might start by giving kids a little room to breathe and develop their independence. 

Seize the chance for a reset  

Reflect on the last school year and think about areas in which your children (or family) could improve, whether it’s getting ready a few minutes earlier (this is a big one in my house — we’re constantly chasing the bus) or studying a little longer. Start a positive conversation about getting in the best position for a successful school year. Most kids really do want to excel but might need some guidance in overcoming personal obstacles.  

Celebrate the wins 

When your child brings home a good grade, or news of joining a club or a team, offer as much encouragement as possible! That’ll help build on rewards throughout the school year. After all, success is a great motivator.  

I hope our Kenilworth families have the best school year yet! 

For more reading like this, check out our blog series, The Leader Board.