Tips to make it a great day

School starts tomorrow! ��

Here are five tips to help you and your kids have a great first day back at school in the �ǿմ�ý.����

Get a Head Start��

Back to school eve is just as important as the first day of school. Take some time to do some back-to-school shopping or practice a bedtime routine. Get your kids excited for the first day back to school with some new kicks, clothes and school supplies. ��

Check out the elementary school supply lists here so you can be ready. Junior high and high school students will find out what supplies they need from their teachers during the first week of school. ��

And remember, getting a good night’s sleep sets the tone for a smooth back-to-school morning.����

Fuel Your Brain��

Once you are refreshed and ready to start the morning, it’s��time for the most important meal of the day. A nutritious breakfast – whether at home or school –��is the right way to jumpstart the first day back at school. �ǿմ�ý provides breakfast and lunch at each campus, and you can check out the and pay for meals .����

Cheat the Clock����

The battle of traffic happens every year for the �ǿմ�ý community heading back to school, and giving yourself plenty of time is the only way to deal with it. It’s a good idea to add some extra time in your morning routine for drop-off on the first day of school. It will be slower on the first day.��

Elementary times are 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., junior high times are 8:45 to 4:10 p.m. and high school times are 7:35 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can see a complete list of calendars and important dates here.��

Create Memories��

Whether your child is heading into pre-K or senior year, be sure to snap some memories with a “first day of school” pic. Before you know it, they’ll be walking the stage at graduation and you don’t want to miss a moment. Show off your kiddos to your friends and family using the hashtags #WeConnectDayOne and #ArlingtonISD so we can share your first day of school pictures on our district social media channels.����

Talk Positive��

Words of affirmation, a note in your child’s lunch box or a reminder that you cannot wait to hear about their day are all ways to set your child up with a positive attitude going into the new school year. Remind yourself and your child to relax, take a deep breath and exhale. There are games to play, friends to make and many ways to learn. Opportunities in the �ǿմ�ý are endless!��

From all of us at �ǿմ�ý, have an amazing first day back to school! ��

Be prepared for the first day

Sending your littlest learner to the first day of school is a milestone like no other. Whether it’s their first day in pre-K or they’re starting kindergarten, sending your baby off can seem scary and unpredictable. But you and your child are in good hands in the �ǿմ�ý. Yes, you are, too! We have five tips to help walk you through a positive first day of school for the first time!

Establish Routines��

There is no way to sugarcoat it. Starting school for the first time is a big adjustment for you and your child. Building routines at home will help you and your child feel more comfortable starting the school year. These could include bedtime, lunchtime, bathroom or even drop-off routines. The more familiar your child is with the basics, the faster they will adjust, making it an easier transition for both of you. So, practice, practice, practice!����

Prep the Day Before��

Backpacks stuffed, lunchboxes packed, outfits picked – you’re already halfway there. Make the day easier on yourself by preparing as much as possible before the morning begins. Make a fun stop at your favorite store to pick up some new school supplies. You can find elementary school supply lists here. Have a game plan for the first day but be ready to be flexible.������

Big It Up��

Make the day like it’s an occasion – because it is. Show your child that this is a big and exciting thing. Have them model their first day of school outfit, brand-new backpack and sweet smile. Take photos and make that “first day of school” picture sign. If you post the photos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ArlingtonISD and #WeConnectDayOne. We’d love to feature your child, too.

At the end of the day, reward them after school with their favorite snack or activity and lots of love.����

Volunteer��

Get to know your child’s teachers, friends and environment by getting involved in volunteering opportunities. This is a wonderful way to ease the anxiety of being away from your child while staying connected in the community. At this age, kids love it when their parents participate in school activities, so take advantage of it! You can sign up for volunteering opportunities here.����

Be Gentle on Yourself����

Mixed emotions are normal. Be proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished as a parent and celebrate the milestone. Tears are welcome in �ǿմ�ý no matter the age. Planning a day for yourself – whether it’s taking the day off or keeping busy – is also a great way to take care of yourself, too! Remind yourself that everything is going to be just fine. It’s the beginning of a bright future.����

From everyone in the �ǿմ�ý, we hope you have a great first day of pre-K or kindergarten!��

If you haven’t registered your child for pre-K or kindergarten yet, it’s not too late. But don’t wait because school starts Wednesday, Aug. 16. Start the registration process online here.