Receive all of the news you prefer through our free newsletters.

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More{{/message}}

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More{{/message}}

Summer vacation will soon come to an end. Before we know it, the school year will be well underway. Students will be hitting the books, preparing for exams, and grinding through the school year. However, prior to classes starting, it is essential for parents/guardians and students to prepare for the year ahead.

Local area teachers have weighed in to provide families with tips, advice, and tricks to help ease the transition to starting school. Educators suggest implementing the following information now so that by the time school starts, children are tackling all aspects of the school day, with flying colors.

Practice makes perfect! Before the school year starts, it is important that parents/guardians practice skills with their children that they will need for the upcoming school year. What should you practice? Former educators from Racine Unified School District and Kenosha Unified School District suggest:

Focus on food this summer before school starts. It is important to discuss and prepare your child to eat breakfast and lunch in a school setting. The following tips can be utilized to streamline your child’s experience in the cafeteria. Focus on:

Good sleep hygiene can ensure having a productive day at school. The week before school starts, or even earlier, implement healthy habits at night and during nap time to help your child stay alert throughout the school day.

Depending on the child’s age, focus on these areas of sleep hygiene:

Educator Victoria Carrado says, “Getting a good night’s sleep! This seriously makes the biggest difference. I would rather have a kiddo come to school well rested than staying up all night doing homework.”

Not only does it matter what goes on at night, but from the moment the child wakes up.

“However their morning starts at home sets the track for the rest of their day,” says Rian Rodriguez, elementary educator at RUSD. With these implementations, you’ll likely start the school year on a good path.

Humans are creatures of habit. When parents and children establish positive routines in their lives, they’re likely to be successful. While each day may look different during the summer months, it is important that there is cohesiveness during the school year.

Expected the unexpected. It is important that parents try to make each day as predictable as possible for their young children; it is also valuable to teach your child how to cope when things go off kilter.

Wendy Saber, a high school counselor from RUSD, states, “be organized and have a routine starting day one. If struggling in any way, ask for help/assistance right away.”

Between children being at school and living at home, information can easily get lost or misunderstood. It is important that parents establish a strong connection with their child’s teacher. It is also important to not overwhelm them. While someone may be a parent to one or two children, educators are looking over a large number of students. Being patient with staff can ensure relationships are well maintained too.

Case High School administrator Tom Tuttle suggests that everyone “slow down and communicate.”

When the school year is just starting, chances are there will be confusion, heavy emotions, anxiety and chaos. Establishing good communication can help you understand your child’s – and their school’s – desires.

Mary Braun Modder, a former educator at KUSD and board member of KUSD points out that communication between the school and parents can happen in a variety of ways. It’s not just an email or phone call. Communication can be done through the child.

“Check (their) backpack when they get home from school,” she advises.

When doing this she says you should remove flyers and messages. When taking things out of the backpack like homework and books, it is important it goes right back into the backpack.

Create and sustain good communication before the school year and as it continues.

Let’s face it, mom and dad won’t be there every time their child needs help during the school year. They won’t be around to always help them go to the bathroom, wash their hands, fasten a button, or sharpen a pencil.

Before the school year starts, parents should focus on instilling confidence in their children to help them be independent. Local educators suggest the following areas be focused on:

Not only does it matter how the child is doing at school and at home, but it is important to make sure that all the “i”s are dotted and the “t”s are crossed when it comes to transportation. How the child is getting to and from school can be a big deal. It is essential that students are safe when departing their homes, arriving at their designated schools, and then going back to their homes.

Whether your student rides the bus, walks to school, or relies on a family or friend to transport them, it is important that when around vehicles, safety is a priority.

Tips to keep in mind before and during the school year:

For more information about school bus safety:

The Racine County Eye, which includes the Kenosha Lens, is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. For more K-12 and college education news, check out our Schools section. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.

Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens, and Twitter to make sure you get the latest news.