Handy strategies for getting organized in the summer for a successful school year.
I know, I know, it’s STILL SUMMER! Why am I talking about the school year already? Well, if you are like me, the school year sneaks up on you every year and every year you say, I’m going to get organized before school starts. So, guess what?? THIS IS YOUR YEAR!
Where I live, we don’t go back to school until after Labor Day. That means that at the time of this post, there are approximately 17 days until the start of the school year…plenty of time to get organized for back to school!
Summer Assignments
Kids in my school district get summer reading assignments every year. They choose from a selection of age-appropriate books and then complete an assignment based on the book chosen. We don’t typically remember the summer reading until August and this year was no different. While on vacation, I sent my kids their book choices and then ordered them on Amazon so that that we’d have them when we got back. Now, I have to make sure the books are read, and assignments completed. Whatever your kids have to do, be aware of it and make a plan to get it done before school starts.
School Supply Shopping
Most schools post their supply lists online. Go to your school’s website, find the list, then get to shopping! Some stores post the local schools’ supply lists in-store. Retailers like Target and Staples have an online option where you can type in your school’s name, and they have the lists saved with all of the products selected for you. Target’s is called ‘School List Assist‘ and Staples’ is ‘Supply List.’
When my kids were in elementary school, I purchased everything on the supply list. When my kids got to middle school, I did the same thing. However, most of the things purchased were never used. After that, I bought the usual things like folders and pencils for the first day and then let my kids tell me what each teacher specifically wanted them to have for the school year. Some teachers even give kids the flexibility to use the products they want. By waiting to purchase school supplies, it has saved me time and a significant amount of money through the years.
School Clothes Shopping
I have two boys who are uninterested in fashion, so my school clothes shopping consists of a new pair of sneakers and maybe a new shirt for picture day. Their summer clothes carry them into the first month and a half of the school year since it stays warm until about mid-October. Then I buy things here and there for the fall. I know that my situation is NOT the norm, especially for moms of daughters. I can remember my school shopping days and I’m sure my mom still has nightmares about them. My suggestions for successful school shopping are as follows:
- Make a day of it. Have lunch, hit all the stores your kid wants to go to and keep your opinions to a minimum.
- Look online. Don’t have time for an all-day shopping spree? Have your child fill their cart at an online store of their choosing, review and purchase at your leisure. Just be sure to check the expected shipping dates.
- Set a budget and communicate it to your son or daughter. Let them figure out what is a ‘must have’ and what can wait within the parameters set.
- If your kids are old enough, give them some cash and drop them at the mall with their friends. Communicate the must have items they need to buy and set them free!
Register for Sports & Clubs / Get Sports Physical
In my neck of the woods, kids can register for fall sports before the school year begins. In order to do so, there are some online forms to fill out and you need an updated sports physical. Physicals are good for one calendar year, so depending on when your child had their last one, it may still be valid. The thing is, doctors’ offices are inundated with physical requests at the end of the summer/beginning of the school year so the sooner you schedule this, the better.
We also have an activity fee associated with any sports and certain after-school clubs. If your child wants to participate, the fee must be paid prior to try-outs or first club meetings. It’s important to take care of any fees prior to school starting so your child doesn’t miss anything.
At this time, it’s a good idea to figure out when try-outs are, who the coaches are, if there are any information nights being held prior to the start of the season. As for clubs, find out who the advisor is, where and what days the clubs meet. If your child plays an instrument, note the music teacher and rehearsal dates. Of course, if your children are old enough, they can figure this stuff out themselves, just point them to the website.
Calendar Updates
Now that you’re poking around your school’s website, check the calendar for upcoming dates of importance and update your family’s shared calendar.
Set Up a Drop Zone
A big part of the after-school routine that causes a problem each year is what I like to call ‘the backpack drop’. And I literally mean DROP. These kids come in, kick their shoes off right in the doorway, drop their school crap and walk away. It’s so frustrating!!
You may ask, ‘Nicole, don’t you have a system in place for this?’ And I would answer, ‘Yes, I do!’ There are shoe cubbies and hooks for backpacks right inside the door! Why they don’t use this system is beyond me. However, they don’t, and they never have. This leads me to the conclusion that I need to set up a better system for ease of use.
The first thing to do is to is ask your children what is stopping them from keeping their things tidy? Is the hook for the backpacks too high? Do they have to dig through a basket full of shoes to find a matching pair? Work together to come up with an area that is functional for both you and your kids and stress the importance of keeping the area neat.
Post School & Bus Schedules
For the first few weeks of school, it’s a great idea to have a copy of each child’s school and bus schedule posted in a noticeable spot for all family members to see. This way, no one is confused as to where they have to be on each day. A lot of schools do some form of schedule rotation, so it’s good to have a clear visual of when your child has gym and needs to wear sneakers or has music and needs to bring in their instrument. It also ensures no one is late for the bus or unprepared for the classes they have on a given day.
Family Meeting
Start the school year off on the right foot by sitting down as a family and talking about everyone’s goals, wishes and expectations for the school year. A good friend of mine does a special ‘back-to-school dinner’ each year where she does just that. It’s really a wonderful tradition that the family looks forward to every year. So, what kind of things should you discuss at your back-to-school meeting?
- What is your child excited about this year?
- What sports/clubs/activities would they like to get involved in?
- What teachers/classes are they looking forward to having?
- What are their plans/strategies for keeping up good grades?
- Will they be buying or packing lunch? Brainstorm lunch ideas if packing
- What challenges to they expect to encounter & how can they overcome them
- You should also discuss logistics: what time they need to wake up, who is making lunches, expectations regarding homework.
Product recommendations
Note: The links below are my Amazon Affiliate links. I receive a small commission for any purchases made from these links. However, I will never recommend items I have not personally used myself or had experience with in some capacity.
When packing lunches, I’m always worried that my kids’ sandwiches or cold items are getting warm before they get a chance to eat them. The PackIt Freezable Lunchbox was recommended to me by a friend, and it has solved that problem. You put in the freezer overnight and its stays cold for hours, no need for additional ice packs. There are tons of styles and patterns, the picture below is the one I have.
For the opposite problem, I recommend this Thermos Food Jar to keep food hot. My one son only takes hot food for lunch and this thermos keeps the food nice and hot.
This portable charger from INIU is a must have forgetful children who always have low battery on their phone. I have three of these, one for the adults and one for each kid.
If your kids have a locker for school or need it for gym or sports, nothing beats the original Master Lock. This one has three numbers and you can set your own combo.
This compact umbrella I do not own, but it is top-rated and has great features. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack and weighs less than one pound.
I hope you enjoyed reading my back-to-school tips and wish you a great start to the upcoming school year! If you feel like sharing some of your back-to-school routines, I’d love to hear them! Comment below or get in touch on social media.
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