This checklist will help you prepare for the start of school. Begin prep weeks in advance!
Before School Starts
- Mark all school calendar items on your personal calendar
- Confirm registration/enrollment paperwork is complete
- Attend orientation and/or back-to-school night
- Schedule annual physicals, dental, and vision check-ups
- Schedule hair cuts
- Update immunization and health records with the school
- Update all contact information with the school (if needed)
- Update emergency contact information with the school (if needed)
- Ensure you are receiving communication from the school through email or app
- Arrange for transportation (if needed)
- Plan after-school care or activities (if needed)
- Reestablish school bedtime routine a week before the first day
- Plan a Back to School dinner Friday night of the first week
School Supplies 
Most schools post a supply list for students. All items should be labeled with the child’s name. That list might include the following:
- Backpack (check for durability & comfort)
- Lunchbox or bag
- Water bottle
- Notebooks, binders, and folders
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers
- Crayons, markers, colored pencils
- Glue sticks, scissors, ruler
- Calculator (if required)
- Index cards or sticky notes
Clothing & Uniforms 
Uniforms should be ordered four weeks before the start of school.
- Check dress code or uniform requirements in the school handbook or website
- Purchase/organize school clothes & shoes
- Label clothing and outerwear
- Set up a laundry routine for school uniforms
- Provide the school with a labeled change of clothes (Kindergarten & First Grade students)
Lunch & Nutrition 
- Plan healthy lunches
- Research lunches that can be prepared the night before
- Stock up on healthy snacks and lunch supplies
- Review school food allergy policies
- Plan notes of encouragement you can write and place in their lunchbox
Academic Prep 
- Set up a quiet, distraction free space at home for the child to work
- Re-establish clear routines (bedtime, screen time, morning)
- Encourage summer reading or review
- Review math facts with fun learning activities
- Talk about goals and expectations for the year
- Organize school books and supplies at home
Communication & Tech 
- Install necessary learning apps/software
- Review internet safety rules (if applicable)
- Acquire a computer and printer for home use
- Prepare a brief letter for the teacher that introduces your child
❤️ Behavioral/Emotional Readiness
- Have a Family Meeting to discuss expectation for the school year
- Discuss and address concerns
- Visit the school or classroom before school begins (if allowed)
- Prepare, practice and discuss parent/child separation (for younger kids)
- Instill, through conversation and modeling, a positive view of classroom learning
- Discuss the authority given to the teacher
- Review the Code of Conduct found in the school handbook
- Discuss how to make friends and be a friend
- Pray for your child’s success in school
First Day
- Have a healthy breakfast that includes protein
- Take a picture of your child/ren in the same spot every year to record their growth
- Begin the habit of praying on your way to school
- Go out for ice cream after school