Parent Perusals
Back-to-School Edition
A Note from Kimberly
Districts/Charters in our region all have varying school start dates! Some of your kids have already started and others start over these next 3 weeks!
Regardless of when your kids start, it is that time......time to prepare for getting back in the school routine!
I think our dog Dixie (pictured to the left) is going to miss my girls the most when school starts! She sure has enjoyed a summer of outside play with lots of balls to run after and chasing the girls on the swings.
I will most definitely miss the slower pace that summer brings to our home. I will be taking time off next week to spend the last week of my girl's summer with them. There will be some fun but also checking off my list of back to school "to dos!"
This edition of Parent Perusals is devoted to resources, information and ideas to help you get in the Back to School mode!
Good luck and Enjoy!
~Kimberly
Interactive Vaccine Guide
One of the preparations in getting your kids back to school is making sure you are all up to date on vaccines!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed this Interactive Guide to help you find information about recommended vaccines from birth through adulthood, including pregnancy.
Under the MORE INFORMATION section, download the immunization schedule for children and teens so you can make sure your family is current on their vaccinations!
6 Parent Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition
Here are six parent-tested tips for back-to-school.
2.Make shopping for school supplies a team effort.
3.Make reading fun and fundamental.
5.Get colorful with everyday supplies.
6.Build excitement before the first day back.
Read more details HERE.
Start School Strong
This is an AMAZING resource by Understood.Org
Start HERE to get free resources that fit your needs. Our expert-vetted tips, tools and videos can help you and your child feel more confident and prepared for the first day of class.
Customize by choosing from academic, organization or social skills.
Select your child's grade: Preschool all the way to College
Indicate if your child has an IEP, 504 plan or neither.
More from Understood.ORG:
A Back-to-School Guide for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues
Back-to-School Countdown: A 4-week plan to get ready
All About Navigating Locker Challenges
Back-to-School Introduction Letters
8 Apps to Help Kids Manage Back-to-School Challenges
Create Your Back to School Kit!
Once you input your child's age, the topics you're interested in, and your focus for the school year, Parent Toolkit will compile a complete guide made just for you so you can start your back-to-school journey off strong.
Get started HERE.
Reading Rockets' Back to School Resources
- Who's who at your child's school?
- Open House: What does a good classroom look like?
- Listen and look at back-to-school night
- What's screening, differentiated instruction, and leveled text?
- Tips for easing back into school
- Helping your child succeed in school
- Reading tips for parents in 13 languages
- Lunchbox Notes
- Back-to-School tips for parents of children with special needs
- For Families of English Language Learners
- Building a good relationship with your child's teacher
- Organization problems and the beginning of the school year
Click Each Link Above or Check them all out HERE!
Helping Your Child Feel Connected to School
Through your guidance and support, you can have great influence on your child’s health and learning. But you also have important allies in this effort—the caring adults in your child’s school.
Research shows that students who feel a genuine sense of belonging at school are more likely to do well in school, stay in school, and make healthy choices. This sense of belonging is often described as school connectedness. Connected students believe their parents, teachers, school staff, and other students in their school care about them and about how well they are learning.
Read all the tips from the Center for Disease Control HERE.
Helping Your Child Succeed in School
Would you like to know more about how you can help your child succeed in school? This publication answers questions frequently asked by parents of elementary and middle-school-aged children who—like you—want to help their children learn and succeed. It suggests effective ways you can support your child’s education.
As a parent or caregiver, you play an important role in your child’s academic achievement. By taking steps to get involved in your child’s education, you can bridge the gap between home and school to ensure your child’s success in learning and in life.
The research-based tips in this publication provide both practical guidance and
valuable information about a range of topics, including:
- Getting Ready for School
- Monitoring School Work
- Helping with Reading
- Helping with Homework
- Working with Schools and Teachers
- Creating Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Please note: At the end this guide there are references the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which is now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Check out Questions Parents Ask About Schools
Nutri Savings Back to School Activity Book
Download the Activity Book HERE.
College Packing List: What Every College Student Needs
The Child Development Institute put together this great list.
Check it out HERE.
Does Your Child Attend Southwest ISD?
Learn More HERE!
*All school districts/charters have some type of Family/Parent & Community Resource Web Page! Be informed! Seek it out and check it regularly for upcoming events and important information!
This Weekend is Tax-Free Weekend
Check out all the Back to School Community Events! There are SO MANY this weekend!
Operation R.I.S.E.
Saturday, August 10th
9:00 am--12:00 pm
Location: Tri-Point Grantham Hall (3233 N Mary's St.)
Premier Rental Purchase San Antonio Annual Backpack Giveaway
Thursday, August 8th
5 pm--7:30 pm
Location: 509 Fair Ave. SATX 78223
Girls Inc. Back to School Conference
Friday, August 9th
Time: 1-4 PM
Location: 118 N. Medina, SATX 78207
Space is limited! Register today: http://conta.cc/2xktXCa
Thousand Oaks Family YMCA Back to School Bash
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: 16103 Henderson Pass, SATX 78232
Back to School Basics--Autism Community Network
Date: Friday, August 9th
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: 534 Cordelia St. SATX 78237
RSVP: pattyv@acn-sa.org or 210-435-1000
Trans Kids Back to School
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time; 5-8 PM
Location: 922 San Pedro Ave.
Back 2 School Bash--A New Life For a New Generation
Community Event geared toward bringing families together for activities, fun and supplies giveaway.
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 10:00 AM--2:00 PM
Location: Camargo Park (5738 Hwy 90, SATX 78227)
Dream Center San Antonio
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 11 AM--3 PM
Location: 2903 W Salinas St. SATX 78207
Blessed Angels Community Center
600 Free Backpacks, School Supplies, Immunizations, Snack Packs, Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be given away to children in need. First Come, First Served.
Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 9 AM--12 PM
Location: 14078 Nacogdoches, SATX 78247
Take Time for YOU to Develop New Skills & Learn New Information!
Click the button below to learn all about them and download the catalog!
I hope you will take advantage of these great learning opportunities!
Kimberly Baumgardner, Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Kimberly has become quite passionate about empowering families to be more involved in their child's education and future as well as challenging and supporting schools to increase their efforts to involve families in their child's educational journey and focus on Family Engagement as an instructional tool that improves student's academic outcomes.
Kimberly enjoys living out in the country with her husband, Tyson and two daughters, Lynette & Lucy Sue.
Email: kimberly.baumgardner@esc20.net
Website: www.esc20.net/parentresources
Location: 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-370-5431
Facebook: facebook.com/escregion20
Twitter: @ESCRegion20