The Whitsdom Press

Tag: school year preparation

  • Back-to-School Tips for Parents: Setting Your Kids and Teens Up for Success

    As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s natural for both parents and students to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is just starting elementary school, this transition can be challenging. It can also be challenging if they are moving into their final years of high school. The transition back to a structured routine can be tough. Here are some essential tips to help you and your child have a smooth and successful school year.

    1. Get Tech-Ready: Navigating the Digital Classroom

    In today’s education landscape, technology plays a crucial role in learning. Ensuring your child is tech-ready is essential:

    • Update Devices: Make sure laptops, tablets, and smartphones are updated. Make sure they are equipped with the necessary apps or software for the school year. This includes educational apps, school portals, or communication platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
    • Set Up Parental Controls: For younger kids, it’s a good idea to set up parental controls on devices. These controls help check and limit screen time. For older students, discuss responsible internet use and encourage a balance between academic and leisure activities online.
    • Familiarize with School Technology: Many schools use specific platforms for assignments, grading, and communication. Take time to explore these systems with your child. Knowing how to navigate these platforms will help you stay informed about your child’s academic progress.
    • Balance Technology and Time Management: Technology can be both a tool and a distraction. Help your child create a balanced schedule that prioritizes homework and responsibilities. Encourage them to use apps that aid time management, like digital planners or task managers. Set specific times for when and how long they can use entertainment or social media. Establishing these boundaries early on will help them develop good habits that will last throughout the school year.

    2. Set Up a Designated Study Space

    Creating a dedicated space for studying can greatly enhance your child’s focus and productivity:

    • Choose the Right Location: Find a quiet area in your home where your child can work without interruptions. Ideally, this space should be away from high-traffic areas and distractions like the TV.
    • Equip the Space: Make sure the study area is equipped with the necessary supplies. These include pens, notebooks, a computer, a good internet connection, and a comfortable chair. Having everything they need at their fingertips can help decrease disruptions.
    • Keep Organization: Encourage your child to keep their study space organized. Clutter can be distracting, so give storage solutions like shelves or drawers to keep things tidy.
    • Personalize the Space: Allow your child to personalize their study area with items that make them feel comfortable and motivated. This include a favorite poster, a plant, or a desk lamp. A welcoming environment can make study time more enjoyable.

    3. Meet Key People on Campus

    Building relationships with the people who will be a part of your child’s daily school experience is vital:

    • Teachers: Attend meet-the-teacher nights or schedule a quick meeting to introduce yourself. Understanding their expectations and communication style can help you better support your child at home.
    • School Counselors: Counselors are a great resource for both academic and emotional support. Make sure you know who they are. Learn how to reach them if your child needs help with anything from course choice to personal issues.
    • Administrative Staff: Knowing key administrative staff like the principal, assistant principals, and office staff can be invaluable. They can give insights into school policies, procedures, and how to discuss any concerns that arise.
    • Extracurricular Advisors: If your child is involved in sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities, you should meet the coaches. You should also meet the club advisors. This is important. It is important to meet coaches or club advisors. They can give updates on schedules, expectations, and how these activities complement your child’s academic journey.

    4. Tips for Busy Parents to Stay Involved

    Balancing work, home life, and staying involved in your child’s education can be challenging, but there are strategies to help you stay connected:

    • Set Regular Check-Ins: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with your child. Discuss their schoolwork and upcoming assignments. Talk about any challenges they be facing. This can be a casual conversation during dinner. It can also be a more structured time, depending on what works best for your family.
    • Use School Portals: Many schools offer online portals where parents can track grades, attendance, and teacher communications. Make it a habit to log in regularly to stay updated on your child’s academic performance. Turn your notifications on to make sure you catch every update!
    • Stay Informed through Newsletters: Many schools send out weekly or monthly newsletters via email. Make sure you’re on the mailing list to stay informed about important dates, events, and any changes in school policies.
    • Volunteer When Possible: Even with a busy schedule, find small ways to volunteer at school events. Volunteering in your child’s classroom can make a big difference. It shows your child that you’re invested in their education and helps you build connections with the school community.
    • Communicate Openly: Encourage open communication with your child about their school experience. Let them know they can come to you with any concerns, whether academic or social. This helps build trust and ensures they feel supported.
    • Stay Updated on School Board Meetings: Check if your School District streams its board meetings live. This way, you can stay informed on important policies and have a voice in decisions affecting your child’s education. If you can’t attend in person, you can watch online from your handheld device.

    5. Organize and Plan Ahead

    Finally, staying organized is key to managing the busy back-to-school season:

    • Use a Family Calendar: Keep track of important dates. These include school holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and extracurricular activities. Use a family calendar that everyone can access.
    • Set up a Space and Place to Study: A good space to study helps your student concentrate. This will enhance their work.
    • Prepare for the Week Ahead: Take time each weekend to review your child’s schedule for the upcoming week. This can include planning meals, organizing school supplies, and setting up any necessary transportation arrangements.
    • Encourage Independence: As your child gets older, encourage them to take on more responsibility. They should manage their schoolwork and extracurricular commitments. This not only fosters independence but also helps them develop time management skills that will be valuable in the future.

    By next these tips, you can help your child navigate the school year with confidence. You can also make sure you stay involved in their academic journey, even with a busy schedule. Remember, your support and engagement are key to their success!

  • Back to School Means Next Steps: A Guide for Parents and Graduating Seniors

    The start of a new school year often brings excitement and anticipation. But for families with a graduating senior, it can also be a time of both joy and uncertainty. As the countdown begins to that momentous cap-toss, it’s crucial to start planning for the next chapter. Whether your graduate is heading to college, trade school, the military, or starting their own business, this guide will help you navigate the road ahead.

    For the Parents

    • Open Communication: The most important thing is to maintain open and honest conversations with your graduate. Understand their goals, dreams, and fears. Encourage them to explore different options without pressure.
    • Build Your Support Circle: Who are the key staff on campus that will be helping your students towards graduation? Start an email not only showing an open line of communication, but also build a team to show support and get info on what needs to be done.
    • Financial Planning: Start discussing financial responsibilities. Create a budget together, explore scholarship opportunities, and research student loan options. Consider setting up a separate bank account for your graduate to manage their finances independently.
    • Emotional Support: This is a big transition for both of you. Be patient, understanding, and supportive of their emotions. Celebrate their accomplishments and offer guidance without being overbearing.
    • Let Go (Gradually): While it’s natural to want to protect your child, it’s essential to encourage independence. Let them make decisions, even if they’re not the ones you would choose. Trust in their ability to learn from their experiences.

    For the Graduating Senior

    • Checks & Balances: Make sure you’re in the right classes to avoid any last minute issues, such as needing an extra credit or credit recovery to gain credits due to lack of attendance. Meet with your counselor or registrar on campus to take a look over your transcript for any discrepancies. Human errors happen, so it is always good to check.
    • Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your passions, strengths, and values. What excites you? What are you good at? What kind of life do you want to build?
    • Explore Options: Research different paths: college, trade school, military, or entrepreneurship. Consider your interests, career goals, and financial situation.
    • Create a Plan: Develop a clear plan for your next steps. Set short-term and long-term goals. Create a timeline and break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps.
    • Build Your Network: Start networking with people in your desired field. Attend industry events, connect with alumni, and leverage social media. Building relationships can open doors.
    • Develop Essential Skills: Focus on skills like time management, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are valuable in any career path.

    Planning for Different Paths

    • College: Research colleges, majors, and financial aid options. Consider campus visits and attending college fairs.
    • Trade School: Explore trade schools that offer programs aligned with your interests. Consider job placement rates and industry demand.
    • Military: Research different branches, explore job opportunities, and understand the enlistment process.
    • Gap Year: A year to work, travel, volunteer, or gain new experiences before your next big step in life.
    • Entrepreneurship: Develop a business plan, research market demand, and consider seeking mentorship.
    • Straight to Work: Graduating high school and starting a full-time job right away allows you to earn money, gain work experience, and develop real-world skills.

    Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is to support your graduate in finding their own path. This is an exciting time filled with endless possibilities. Embrace the journey together and celebrate every milestone along the way.

    Resource Bank

    Mz. Whitsdom (who deems herself as the ‘Postsecondary Planner’) has over a decade of experience in college and career readiness, academic advising, and college admissions recruitment and has gotten students to acceptance, attendance, and graduation from various colleges; including Dartmouth, Colby, University of Texas at Austin, Fisk, Cornell, Howard, and more. She has also guided students to various trade programs and careers in Cosmetology, IT, and other skilled labor trades. Email for advising services at WhitsdomAcademy@gmail.com.