News and Events

Sssh...don't tell the kids, but summer break is almost over! Whether your child is a returning Bedwell student or is coming to our school for the first time, starting the school year can be an enormous source of stress-for the whole family! Fortunately, most back-to-school butterflies can be eased by planning ahead and getting back into a school-night routine a few weeks before school begins. Here are a few tips to make the summer to school transition and the whole year run smoother.

1. Get the whole family back on an early-to-bed schedule before school starts. Elementary school age kids do best with 9 1/2-11 hours of sleep a night. By keeping an eye on the calendar and moving bedtime a bit earlier every night, kids should be back on their school year sleeping schedule by the start of school. Getting enough sleep will make morning routines much easier!

2. Practice saying goodbye. For many kids, the biggest challenge about starting school will be saying goodbye to you. By developing a parting routine, such as a hug and a promise to see them soon, kids will feel reassured that starting school is just another temporary separation. Many kids feel comforted by having a family picture in their backpack or a special note in their lunchbox.

3. Have a few play dates with new classmates. Once class lists have been sent home, it can be helpful to arrange play dates with kids who will be in your son's or daughter's class. The first day will go much smoother if your child already has already made some connections.

4. Start the day right. Many kids don't feel like eating much on the first day of school; however, your daughter or son will face the day better prepared if she or he has had a good breakfast. Ask them ahead of time what they'd like for breakfast on the first day, and be sure you have some of those favorite breakfast foods on hand.

5. Do your child (and yourself!) a favor by finding out what supplies will be needed on the first day, then making sure they're purchased and packed up the night before. While you're at it, have your child choose and lay out the clothes he or she will be wearing on the first day!

6. Help your child choose and equip a quiet study zone where homework will be done. Include your child in a discussion about when the best time to do homework might be and what the atmosphere should be like (most kids know that distractions such as electronics, siblings, etc., are not conducive to doing their best), and then help her or him establish and stick to a good routine.

7. You may be just as anxious as your child when it comes to the first day of school but try to conceal your worries. Emphasize the positive things about going back to school, such as hanging out with old friends, meeting new classmates, and getting involved in sports and other activities. Allow kids time to adjust. Remind them that everyone feels a little nervous about the first day of school and that it will all become an everyday routine in no time.

8. If your child gets teary when you say goodbye, reassure her or him that everything will be fine and that you can’t wait to be together again at the end of the day. Use the goodbye routine you’ve practiced, and then hand her or him off to her teacher and leave. Don't worry! Experienced teachers know about first day jitters and are used to helping kids overcome them. If your child continues to have a hard time separating, be sure to speak with the teacher.

Although it's normal to be anxious in any new situation, a few kids develop real physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, associated with the start of school. If you're concerned that your child's worries go beyond the normal back-to-school variety, speak with your child's doctor, teacher, or school counselor.

2019-2020
Bedwell Spirit Days