Ahhh, back-to-school season. It’s that time of year where parents and children are going from store to store to stock up on new school clothes, supplies, and required items to prepare for the new school year. However, fresh pencils, binders, jeans and sneakers are not the only things parents, teachers and students should be equipped with this year—- they should also be armed with a new vision.
No, not a new eye prescription (although if you read last week’s health edition, you’ll know opthalmologists do recommend vision tests to prepare for school). The new school year requires a shift in perspectives and modus operandi— a more advanced, prepared and goal-oriented approach to the school year—- for parents, teachers, and students alike.
Active parental/ guardian involvement is critical to a student’s success, even during the back-to-school season. Knowing required immunizations, texts, tools and more can prepare students with all they need to not only be in school, but thrive. Parents must be prepared and patient during the back-to-school season. There’s a lot of running around, tons of requirements before a child is ready to walk in the building, and then the adjustment time needed when students start school. Being armed with all the knowledge for the school year and packing a lot of patience as youth adjust is critical this back-to-school season.
Educators and school administrators are busy setting the tone and standards for the school and in the classroom, while also bracing themselves to work with, teach and help students grow. The last school year is not the same as this year. Thus, those who work in schools must not approach the next school year with a freshness and fervor that will make students feel at home even in the classroom, and allow for an environment conducive to thriving.
Finally, students must have a new vision when starting the school year. While the last school year can certainly inform choices and assist in being prepared for the next level of school work, the new vision will help students look at the 2024-2025 school year as another opportunity to get closer toward their goals. Whether the goal is graduation, going to college, getting a job, or simply finishing the school year, it’s important for students to have all they need to survive and thrive.
Truly, parents, educators and students should all have goals they want to achieve this school year. Knowing what’s needed for success and then working to execute goals is integral to thriving this school year and onward.
From summer bridge programs to help 6th and 9th graders adjust, to learning about immunization requirements, to the process of a dad getting his students ready for school, while also preparing himself for college courses, this special edition dives into the ways the whole family can be prepared for the school year. In addition, this edition showcases new initiatives and innovations in schools and institutions around the area.
Back-to-school is more than a season, it’s a mentality. Getting new supplies, shoes and books is only a part of preparing for the school year. Starting the 2024-2025 school year off with a new vision is an important step in working toward success throughout the year and beyond.