Ensure youth have a safe, productive school year

School bells ring for the majority of Pee Dee students on Monday. In preparation, parents have been busy marking items off school lists: rulers, pencils, book covers, Crayons, calculators and, of utmost importance, that extra-large bottle of hand sanitizer.
But you aren’t through, yet. Some essentials for a successful school year never make it to that list. Here, we share some tips adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics that should prove valuable in ensuring a safe and productive school year for your student:
— Remind children that they are not the only students who are a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
— Point out the positive aspects of starting school. It will be fun to see old friends and meet new ones.
— If your child will ride the bus, go over bus safety tips in detail. Accompany your child to the bus stop the first few days to practice.
— Watch for — and obey — all school crossing guards and school zone speed limits.
— If your child will bring a lunch, pack a healthy one with fresh fruit and low-sugar, low-fat snacks.
— Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Set aside ample time for homework. Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never offer to do a child’s homework.
— If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help out yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.
— During middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work. Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.
— If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.
— Join the school’s parent-teacher association, show up for parent-teacher conferences, volunteer to assist with school functions and fundraisers. Your parental involvement not only demonstrates your support for the school staff and teachers, but it shows your child that their education is important to you, as well.
Now you’re ready. Let the school year begin.