Setting Students Up for Success

FINDLAY — As summer comes to an end, families across Hancock County are preparing to send their kids back to school. Findlay City Schools (FCS) Parent Mentor Theresa Foley-Reed and Van Buren Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Cassie Schaffer agree that the next few weeks are critical in helping children ease back into a school-year mindset. Establishing Routines Classes at FCS begin Thursday, Aug. 14, while Van Buren Schools start on Sept. 2. Both Foley-Reed and Schaffer recommend that families begin adjusting to school routines now. "Start easing the kiddos back into their school-type routines, getting back to typical meal times, bed times, bath times, and sleep routines," Foley-Reed said. "That is so important." Schaffer agreed, emphasizing the importance of good sleep habits. "Sleep is so vital to brain health," Schaffer said. "Even doing a trial run of the morning routine a couple of days before school starts can help take some of that anxiety out." Making learning fun With summer still fresh on student's minds, it can be difficult to shift back into the "learning mode." Foley-Reed and Schaffer recommend reintroducing learning through fun and engaging ways. "Always, always, always read and encourage reading to your child," Foley-Reed said. "Family board games and puzzles are also so important. People don't realize the brain activity that goes into board games and puzzles. It's so important to get that brain working by thinking and solving problems." Schaffer suggests incorporating learning into everyday activities. "You could even follow a recipe, it will get kids to look at fractions, and students hate dealing with fractions," Schaffer said. "When you're out shopping, talk to them about percentages. Thinking of some of those scarier things for students and getting them to use that language again, can be really helpful." Building excitement Instead of feeling dread for the upcoming academic year, Foley-Reed encourages families to mark the first day of school on a calendar, go back-to-school shopping, and visit the school ahead of time. "Be sure to visit the school open house or meet the teacher," Foley-Reed said. "If it's younger kids, check out the playground, that'll help build excitement to get back to school." Schaffer added that creating familiarity with the environment can also ease first-day jitters. "Look on the school's website, a lot of times they'll have pictures of teachers," Schaffer said. "Even if you don't know who your teachers are yet, then you can at least get a picture of them and feel a little bit more familiar." Supporting Success Simple routines at home can greatly reduce stress in students. Foley-Reed suggests setting up a designated homework area, planning an after school snack break, and organizing supplies in advance. "Don't jump right into homework," Foley-Reed said. "Kids need that brain break after school." Additional tips from Foley-Reed include: • Charge devices outside the bedroom to minimize screen time and ensure they're ready for instructional use • Pack lunches the night before and help younger children practice opening containers • Create laminated checklists for sports and extracurricular equipment • Review school lunch menus and apply for free or reduced-price meals • Lay out clothes the night before to ease morning routine • Know your school's drop-off and pick-up procedures ahead of time She also recommends discussing cellphone usage with students. "Most teachers don't allow cell phones in their classrooms at all," Foley-Reed said. "Students are going to have a withdrawal period. We all have to admit that this is an addiction and it's going to be hard." Managing first day nerves Both Foley-Reed and Schaffer said it's completely normal for students to feel anxious on their first day back. "Any kind of change is hard," Foley-Reed said. "There's change in the school schedule, change in busing, teachers with different expectations. The best thing to do is communicate. If you have a question, ask. If you're unsure, ask. Every new school year brings vast change." Schaffer agreed, noting that fear of the unknown is often a common reason for back to school anxiety. "We all get nervous when we're walking into an unknown situation," Schaffer said. "If you really focus on the mindset of, 'I'm just here to do my best', and not about being perfect, then we can all grow together throughout the year." Both Foley-Reed and Schaffer emphasized the importance of communication at home. "The biggest thing is to talk with your child," Foley-Reed said. "Talk about their day, their friends, what is fun, what is difficult. Ask them open ended questions, not just yes or no questions. Genuinely listen to what they say." Being Patient As students begin the new school year, Foley-Reed asks that families be patient and give their children time to adjust to the routine. "At least two weeks is a good adjustment period," Foley-Reed said. "If the parents have any concerns after two weeks, set up a phone or a face to face conference with a teacher or an administrator."