FIRST STEPS
_ Call the school district with questions about your child’s school
_ Find out what day classes start and what time your child should arrive
_ Enroll your child (if she is not already registered from the previous year)
_ Fill out emergency contact sheets and any other required forms

CHECK MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
_ Make sure your child has all required immunizations
_ Schedule a physical exam for your child if needed to participate in school activities
_ Get your child’s vision checked before school starts if he is due for an exam
_ Notify the principal’s office, the school nurse, and your child’s teachers about any health problems or medications

STOCK UP ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES
_ Check the school website or call for a list of required supplies
_ Find out whether students will store supplies at school or bring them home each day
_ Buy a backpack or bag to carry daily items
_ Review the school dress code
_ Buy school uniforms and gym clothes, if necessary

MAKE AFTER-SCHOOL PLANS
_ Arrange child care or after-school activities
_ Choose extracurricular activities carefully to avoid overscheduling
_ Make sure your child knows where to go after school each day

LEARN ABOUT THE SCHOOL
_ Find out whether the teacher prefers to communicate by phone, e-mail, or written note
_ Know what your child is expected to learn in her grade level
_ Familiarize yourself with the information on the school website
_ Note the phone numbers for checking school closures or reporting absences
_ Find out the procedure for taking your child out of school early
_ Read the school handbook and make sure your child understands the rules
_ Review the school’s federal “report card”

PLAN TO BE INVOLVED
_ Mark school events on the family calendar
_ Attend the back-to-school program
_ Schedule and attend parent-teacher conferences
_ Meet leaders of the parent-teacher group

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR SCHOOL
_ Arrange for your child to play with others in his age group before classes start
_ Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school and talk over any concerns
_ Talk with your child about her daily school schedule
_ Talk about peer pressure with your child
_ Have your child memorize your home address and home and work phone numbers
_ Tour the school with your child so she can find her classrooms, the restrooms, and the cafeteria
_ Arrange a time for you and your child to meet his new teachers

LAY THE GROUND RULES
_ Establish a firm bedtime before school starts
_ Determine where and when your child will do homework
_ Figure out a plan for balancing homework and play time
_ Set rules for the time spent on TV, video games, and computer use for non-school projects