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School Reentry- A Smooth or Bumpy Ride?
by Mary Z. McGrath, Ph.D.
Signals surround us that school is about to begin again. Retailers remind us at every turn that the young people in our lives are about to head back to the familiar routines of another school year. Cars sitting in school parking lots are increasing in number, signaling that teachers are back early getting their classrooms in order and ready to go for the upcoming first day of school.
Young people ride their bikes past school hoping to get a glimpse of their prospective teachers. Their conversation turns to what next year might be like. Parents are now listening to questions similar to the following:
“Will my neighborhood friend be in the same classroom?”
“Now that I am going to middle school will I be able to open the locker fast enough to make it to class on time?”
“Will I like taking German?”
“Will I be able to manage the homework, a job and sports activities?”
Yes, school is about to begin. And as the signs of school’s imminent arrival approach on all fronts the signal is sent to parents to gear up as well. The transition from summer schedules, travel, camp, and a more laid-back lifestyle at the lake is upon families! Will the change bring a smooth or bumpy ride for you and your family?
Transition and change brings both excitement and stress. Following are some considerations to help make the school year reentry easier and the move toward a different schedule gentler.
Check with your child’s school before buying supplies. Merchants stock the shelves with appealing materials. Pens, pencils, backpacks, paper, erasers, rulers, gizmos, gadgets and glue come in many sizes shapes and colors. Granted that there are a lot of fun and attractive supplies on the market, but do they meet the criterion for appropriateness and practicality as determined by your child’s school? Are there supplies that attract your child that could distract them from attention to their priority – paying attention to the classroom work at hand? What about space availability in the desk or locker?
Tour the classroom and meet the staff if possible. An expedition to school before classes officially begin is a matter of select timing. Consider staff schedules and deadlines before dropping by the room. Your child’s teacher will be very busy during the days before school. Check to see when would be the best time to tour. Some schools have designated times when families are invited to come to school to get acquainted. But do try to get there especially if your child is anxious about transferring to a new location. Whether staff members are in meetings or unavailable, you can still review the room location, find the office, bathrooms, gym, and lunchroom to give your child some basic acclimation before the first day of school.
If you have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher leave your e-mail or business card for future communication. Offer to help in the months ahead in any way that is realistic and works within your professional and personal schedule. Offer your talents as your see fit and in a way in tune with your availability.
Take time to talk with your child about the changes to come. In the midst of searching for supplies, new clothes, and wading through strange hallways, seeing many unfamiliar faces, many young people will be experiencing feelings ranging from excitement to fear and anxiety to enthusiasm. Having the assurance that you are a steadying presence during this transition gives them support and security. Allow them some time to express their regret at the loss of summer and the fun it includes. Encourage them in their ambitions in academics and athletics as they imagine the year ahead. Assure them of your support in regard to their academic and social questions. Be their screen as they create a personal positive vision for their next grade. Add, affirm and advise as you see fit.
Take care of your personal needs and realize that you are going through changes as well. Stay on top of the big picture as you help your family regroup and return to the types of activities they left behind in the spring. Be sure you are making efforts to exercise, eat healthy food and get rest breaks. Allow yourself a moment to take a deep breath, imagining the best for your future and that of your family. Supply your mind and your spirit with readings, people and situations that keep you moving in a positive direction.
Soon your family will be in the back-to-school mode. It may seem that summer is in the distant past once the first week of school is complete. During the transition from summer to fall the changes may feel dramatic and the ride may be bumpy. Staying on top of the reentry by calling upon your ability to be practical, flexible and aware of the process will make for an easier reentry into the next school year for you and your entire family. A smooth landing into the upcoming school year!
Mary Z. McGrath works with organizations, schools and parents who support wellness and the family’s potential. She is the author of Teachers Today: A Guide to Surviving Creatively (Corwin Press), a member of the National Speakers Association and speaks regionally through her business, Reflections Resources Ltd. For more information visit her website, www.maryzmcgrath.com or contact her at 952-894-7707.
Reprints:
As seen in Stressfree Living Magazine, August, 2004.
Article cannot be reproduced without written permission from Stressfree Living Magazine
www.stressfreeliving.org
Mary Z. McGrath, Ph.D., speaker, writer and caregiver, works with schools, organizations and parents who support wellness and the family’s potential. Check www.maryzmcgrath,com for more information.
E-mail: info@maryzmcgrath.com
Website: http://www.maryzmcgrath.com
Ph: 952-894-7707
Fax: 952-890-3229.
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