School starts in Hillsborough County on August 12, with similar start dates for schools in surrounding counties. While you may want to soak up as many summer days as you can, you can’t put off back to school preparations until the week before. There are just so many things to do and steps to remember.
Fortunately, we are here to serve as your guide.
Check out these six steps you need to remember as your kids prepare to head back to class.
#1) Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
Every child should see a doctor before school starts. Most kids and teens will need to schedule appointments anyway for their sports physicals. It is good to get into the habit of seeing a doctor for an annual check-up and to make sure kids are up-to-date on immunizations. Plus, seeing a doctor over the summer means you won’t have to take your child out of school once classes start.
Schedule your appointment early on to beat the rush of parents scheduling physicals and immunizations. Florida Wellness Medical Group offers regular check-ups and sports physicals for kids and teens in the Tampa Bay Area.
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#2) Get a Back-to-School Haircut
Summer is a time for growing out your hair and relaxing away from the classroom, but you don’t want your child going back to school with messy hair. Schedule an appointment for a week before school starts so they have a fresh cut for the first day.
#3) Try on School Clothes
If your child is growing like a weed, you may need to get some new clothes for school. Have your child try on their clothes to see what fits and what doesn’t. Donate what doesn’t and fill in the gaps of what your child needs.
#4) Create an After-School Plan
Now is the time to start preparing for after-school care, activities, and plans. Figure out where your child will go after school if they need care or who will watch them if you can’t. If your child needs to take the bus or will walk home by themselves for the first time, talk to them about safety and create an emergency plan in case something happens.
#5) Stock Up on Supplies Early
The Sunday before school starts is not the time to start shopping for supplies. Start checking the aisles of Target and school websites for the supplies that you know they will need. You can pick up a few supplies at a time or go out for a big shopping trip in late July. The longer you wait, the more chaotic the shopping experience will be and the less inventory will be available.
And, mark your calendar for August 2 - 6 for the back-to-school sales tax holiday!
#6) Review Summer Reading and Homework
You also can’t wait for the night before to start on summer reading and other work. These assignments are meant to keep kids’ brains strong and running to prevent the summer drain. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, set aside time each day to work on reading, math, and other assignments. Your child will return to school fresh and ready to take on the lessons.
A Few Small Steps Make a Big Difference
You don’t have to run out and buy supplies today, but taking a few small steps to prepare for the school year can make sure that you don’t forget anything important. You can start the year ready to succeed and focused on school.
Cover photo from klimkin from Pixabay
