September marks a fresh start for new teachers, new routines, and for many families, a return to the daily routine of school mornings and activity nights. This month, let's focus on two things that set the tone for the whole year: healthy sleep routines at home and building strong connections with your child's teacher/s.
Topic 1: Healthy Sleep Routines
The start of the school year can be an adjustment for everyone. Earlier alarms, packed snacks and lunches, and re-learning how to focus after a relaxing summer. Sleep is one of the biggest factors in how well kids handle the transition.
- Elementary-aged children generally need 9-12 hours of sleep per night; Middle school aged children need 8-10 hours.
- Inconsistent bedtimes, even by 30 minutes, can affect mood, attention, and behavior at school.
- A predictable morning and evening routine reduces stress for both kids and parents.
Tips that Might Help:
- Set a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends (when possible)
- Start winding down screens 30-60 minutes before bed
- Keep a visual routine chart for younger kids (ex. brush teeth, pajamas, read book, lights out)
Topic 2: Getting to Know your Child's Teacher/s
Research consistently shows that strong family-school communication is one of the biggest predictors of student success. September is the perfect time to open that line of communication before small concerns become bigger ones.
- Teachers who hear from families early in the year are better able to understand each child's needs, strengths and home context.
- A quick introduction now makes it easier to to reach out later.
- Kids notice when home and school are "on the same team"
Tips that Might Help:
- Introduce yourself in the first few weeks, you don't need to wait for a problem to reach out.
- Read the school's Parent Square newsletters to stay current with what's happening at the building.
- Ask your child open-ended questions about their day, "What made you laugh today?" instead of "How was school?" it often opens up more conversation than you'd expect.
Stay well,
Dr. Sarah Cacciatore
Superintendent
