As summer comes to an end and the beginning of the school year quickly approaches, it is time to get your kids ready to head back to school. At Brooksfield School, we want to ensure that students experience as smooth as possible of a transition, so we have compiled some tips and tricks to help you and your children feel excited and prepared for a new school year. School begins for all our students on August 24, so do not delay in helping your child prepare for their next adventure!
Supplies
School supplies shopping is one of the most integral parts of back-to-school season. Wherever you choose to shop, you will want to gather all the essentials, including notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, and more. We share school supplies lists with each family before the beginning of the school year so that your kids can get everything that they need to succeed in the classroom ahead of time.
Getting Acclimated
Whether your child is new to Brooksfield School or has been attending the school since before they can remember, you may want to help them get acclimated to the school and their new situations before the upcoming school year begins. The resources and programs we offer can make this an easy task:
Online Materials
If your child has not yet visited Brooksfield School, then you should introduce them to the school before they enter the building on the first day of the school year. This will make the whole experience less overwhelming. You can find a virtual tour on our website, as well as other information about our teachers, academics, and programs.
New Responsibilities
Because we use a three-year pod system, Brooksfield School students may have new responsibilities this year. Kindergarteners are the new group leaders, so even returning students may have new social and leadership experiences this year. Additionally, events and programs you choose to attend with your children can provide them with exciting new opportunities. Discuss these new changes before the start of the school year to help mentally prepare your children.
COVID-19 Considerations
This year more than ever, your kids may experience some added stress or anxiety with heading back to school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many children have experienced less social interaction than usual in the recent past and health precautions may seem strange or different. Here are some ways to get your kids to feel more comfortable with the situation as they head back to school:
Mask Up
We require that all students, teachers, and other guests at Brooksfield School wear a mask to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To help get them used to wearing a mask, you may want to practice using one while at home or stress the importance of wearing one at any time while in public. This way, they will not think anything strange about wearing a mask while at school.
Social Distancing
We know that your kids will be excited to be back with their friends at school, but we also want to encourage them to stay socially distant. We encourage you to explain this to your children before you drop them off for their first day. You may also want to practice staying socially distant with your kids when interacting with people outside of the family.
Summer Camp Participants
While our summer camp participants may feel ahead of the curve and prepared to head back to the classroom, you should keep in mind that the summer program can feel very different from the regular school schedule and responsibilities. While they will be at the same place with many of the same people, expanded class sizes and new routines can make the school year experience feel different. Celebrate the beginning of the school year with children who attended the summer program just the same as with those who have been at home throughout the summer. The beginning of the school year can seem overwhelming at times, but with some preparation ahead of time, your children can thrive back at Brooksfield School. We cannot wait to see everyone at the start of the school year!
