A Spring Hill Blog

Back to School: Transitioning from Summer to School

August is here, and with it comes the annual transition from the lazy days of summer to the structured routine of the school year. At The Spring Hill School, we understand that this shift can be challenging for both students and parents. That's why we've put together some tips to help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Reestablish a Routine

Summer often means late nights and leisurely mornings, but getting back into a school routine is crucial for a successful start to the year. Here are a few steps to help ease into the new schedule:

• Start Early: Begin adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a few weeks before school starts. Gradually shift them earlier by 15-30 minutes each day.
• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Aim for a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, to help regulate your child's internal clock.
• Morning Practice Runs: Do a few practice runs of the morning routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast, and heading out the door. This can help identify any potential snags and make the first day smoother.

2. Encourage Social Connections

Reconnecting with friends and making new ones is an important part of the back-to-school transition.

• Plan Playdates: Arrange playdates with classmates before school starts. This can help reestablish friendships and make the first day less intimidating. For those classes with new students joining, think how nervous they must be. Be mindful of our new families and reach out to them!
• Attend School Events: Attend Open Classrooms, the Welcome Back Picnic, and Back to School Night. These are great opportunities for your child to meet teachers and peers.
• Join The Community: Encourage your child to join clubs or activities that interest them. These can provide additional social opportunities and help them feel more connected to the school community.

3. Organize School Supplies Together

Involving your child in back-to-school shopping and organizing supplies can make the process more exciting and less daunting.

• Create a Checklist: Spring Hill provides most of the school supplies. But, selecting items with your child can increase excitement. What items do they need personally to feel ready?
• Personalize Supplies: Allow your child to choose or decorate their supplies. This can help build excitement for the new school year.
• Organize a Study Space: For older students, set up a dedicated study area at home that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. Having a special spot for homework can help your child focus and stay organized.

4. Refresh Academic Skills

While summer is a time for relaxation, it's important to keep those academic skills sharp.

• Review Last Year's Work: Spend some time reviewing materials from the previous school year. This can help refresh your child's memory and boost their confidence.
• Engage in Educational Activities: Encourage activities that promote learning, such as reading, puzzles, and educational games. Remember my prior email with all the fun games to play? These can be fun ways to get back into the academic mindset.
• Set Learning Goals: Discuss and set some academic goals for the upcoming school year. This can help your child feel motivated and focused.

5. Discuss the Upcoming School Year

Talking about the upcoming school year can help alleviate any anxiety your child may have and build excitement.

• Open Classrooms!: Attend the Open Classroom day for your child. Familiarity with the environment and reconnecting with friends can help ease first-day jitters.
• Meet the Teacher: Again, attend the Open Classroom! If you have a child who has higher levels of anxiety, reach out to the teacher to arrange a meeting during their work week to meet with your child 1-1. Building a rapport early on can create a positive start to the school year.
• Set Expectations: Discuss what your child can expect regarding homework, extracurricular activities, and daily routines. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety.

6. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your attitude towards the new school year can greatly influence your child's perspective.

• Be Supportive: Listen to your child's concerns and provide reassurance. Let them know it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate the small milestones, such as the first day of school, meeting a new friend, or completing the first homework assignment.
• Stay Engaged: We are so excited for the start of the year and new programs and plans to share with you. There will be new volunteering opportunities. Be sure to regularly communicate with our amazing teachers. Parent/School partnership is critical to your child’s success.

Inspiring Quotes, Inspiring People

Great Resources for Back-to-School Preparation

To help activate your child's brain and get them ready for a return to school, here are some excellent websites and resources offering fun and educational activities:

1. Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org)
   • Free online courses, lessons, and practice in various subjects, tailored for K-8 students.
2. BrainPOP (www.brainpop.com)
   • Engaging educational videos, games, and activities across a wide range of topics.
3. National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic.com)
   • Interactive games, videos, and articles on science, nature, and history.
4. Scholastic Kids (kids.scholastic.com)
   • Reading resources, activities, and games that make learning fun.
5. PBS Kids (pbskids.org)
   • Educational games and videos featuring popular PBS characters, promoting learning through play.
6. ABCmouse (www.abcmouse.com)
   • Comprehensive early learning app for children ages 2-8, covering reading, math, science, and more.
7. Storyline Online (www.storylineonline.net)
   • Videos of celebrated actors reading children's books aloud, promoting literacy and a love of reading.
8. Prodigy Math (www.prodigygame.com)
   • A fun, free math game that adapts to your child's learning level and helps them practice math skills.
9. Mystery Science (www.mysteryscience.com)
   • Ready-to-use science lessons that inspire kids to love science through curiosity and exploration.
10. Funbrain (www.funbrain.com)
    • Educational games, videos, and books that help develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy.

Transitioning from summer to school doesn't have to be stressful. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive outlook, you can help your child start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm. Here's to a fantastic year ahead at The Spring Hill School!

Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our upcoming blog posts from Sandy Stack, our Interim Head of School, and the Admissions office as we continue to explore ways to support our amazing students and their families.

Warmest regards,

Tracy Walthard
Associate Head of School for Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives