As students prepare to head back to school next week there are a few thing parents can do to make the transition easier.

Senator Riley Middle School Principal Tracey McKinnon says start off by reestablishing your routines.

"Get use to getting up early so it isn't a big shock on the first day of school," said McKinnon. "That can look like setting an alarm clock and going through the morning routine. And it can also mean setting and enforcing weekday bedtimes."

She adds bedtime is the perfect time to stick a book in their hands and take away the electronics.

And speaking of books if your children haven't been reading over the summer, it time to get the books out.

"We notice a little bit of a gap. They might have been reading at a certain level in June but if they don't read over the summer, sometimes their literacy levels drop a little bit. So we would love to see students, especially now, it's not to late, start reading 20 minutes a day."

And being organized before the first day can alleviate a lot of first day stress.

"Maybe you and your child can make sure you practice routes to school if your child is walking or making sure you know what time the bus comes at and where the bus stop is located."

And make sure you have all their school supplies for the first day, if you don't have a list most schools have them on their web sites.

McKinnon adds if your student is starting a new school make an appointment and have them meet their teachers and get a tour of the building so they are comfortable on their first day.

 

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