Happy Labor Day Weekend! For many school districts, this marks the start of the school year. While some students may have started several weeks ago (we see you, college kids!), many schools still adhere to the tradition of starting up the Tuesday after this weekend. So while we may be using this last weekend of summer to soak up the sun and go to the beach, regardless of if we are a parent or student, we are also thinking about the year ahead, asking ourselves: are we prepared?

Consider these questions and action items in preparation for a successful year:
1. Assess what went well in school last year. What subjects were difficult? What was easy? What was enjoyable? Are there any repeat teachers, and what was the relationship with those teachers like? If you are a parent, consider what is your student looking forward to? What has changed since last year? Have they switched schools? Transitioned from middle to high school? What concerns are coming up for you?
2. Take a moment to address these questions with your family. If you’re the parent, see where your students’ opinion differs from your own, notice what might have fallen under the radar. Let them know that this conversation can continue.
3. Prepare your available resources. If you’re a student, do you have the correct contact information for your homeroom teacher and your class schedule? Parents, do you have the dates for back to school night? Do you know how to contact the Parent Teacher Association? Students, do you know how to contact your guidance counselor? Do you have the calendar for your sports teams, meets, and club meetings and have you shared them with your parents?
4. Take a moment to make a game plan. Make a shared calendar, pay attention to where you or your student might need extra help and set reminders to check in on it. Make a phone note or contact card with all relevant school contact information. Most importantly, do whatever organizational strategies have worked well for you in the past!

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to not feel prepared. The start of the school year is a hectic time and can feel overwhelming and stressful. And, if you, or your student, need a little help getting in the rhythm, that’s what we’re here for!