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Back To School Guide. Checklist, Sales Tax Holiday, Lunch & Homework Ideas and other back to school information.


Back To School Guide
 Skip to: Frequently Asked Questions ● Sales Tax Holiday ● Back To School Checklist ● Breakfasts & Morning Time Savers ● Dress For Success ● Choosing the Right Backpack ● Tips From A Preschool Owner ● Tips From Teachers On How To Help Your Child Thrive In and Out of the Classroom ● The Lunchbox Dilemma ● The Horror of Homework ● Shopping & Services  ● Educational & Printable Worksheets ● Other Helpful Links
   

BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST
BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES 
  • paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
  • shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
  • buy extras of "essentials" and put them away for later
  • buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
  • simplify your child's wardrobe to "mix-and-match"
  • take an inventory before heading out to the stores
  • shop with a list to avoid buying things you don't need
CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER  
  • go through closets and give away clothes / shoes that don't fit
  • help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
  • clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
  • spend one day before school starts organizing your child's storage
  • do it "with" your kids, and not "for" them have each child's room spotless by the night before school starts
CONTACT THE SCHOOL  
  • find out if any physical examinations or immunizations required
  • see if any new registration requirements this year
  • get your child's schedule and names of teachers
  • names and contact info for your child's classmates' parents
  • give school emergency phone numbers to reach you
  • designate others who may care for your child in your absence
  • get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)

CREATING A LAUNCHING PAD  
  • set up a spot near the door for items that need to go to school backpacks, school books, sports equipment, instruments, etc.
  • spend 15 minutes each night gathering supplies for tomorrow
  • use a cubby for each kid if you have several children
  • no more hunting for missing books and supplies in the morning
    • GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME
  • make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
  • do "non-perishables" (juice box, chips, fruit) a week at a time
  • put in pantry in lunch bags labeled with child's name and day
  • lay out your child's clothes for the entire week on Sat. or Sun.
  • collect up school supplies for next day before going to bed
  • plan out and shop for a week's worth of dinners at once

MAKING BEDTIME EASIER 
  • have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
  • spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up gather all supplies for the next day
  • before bed create "calming" rituals (bath, reading, soft music)
  • before bed help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime stay away from TV late at night 
MORNING RITUALS 
  • set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
  • complete your AM routine before the kids start to get going
  • simplify your morning routine as much as possible
  • complete as many "getting ready" chores the night before as can
  • have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
  • make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
  • create a sense of structure to start off the day
  • put breakfast supplies within kids' reach to make things easier
  • develop consequences for not being ready on time 
PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER 
  • set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area
  • family meeting once a week to discuss each person's schedule
  • record each person's appointments in a different color marker
  • make each child responsible for reporting his / her activities
  • schedule in regular appointments (soccer practice, piano lessons)
  • immediately transfer dates from other schedules to your calendar
  • be sure to block off family time at least once a week 
TEACHING KIDS TO SET BOUNDARIES 
  • limit the number of extra-curricular activities at one time
  • limit amount of artwork that may be displayed at one time
  • when a new piece of artwork goes up, one must come down 
Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com


Breakfasts &
Morning Time Savers

Thanks to our friends at Disney for ideas on how to start the school year on the right foot with delicious breakfast recipes and tips to help with the morning routine:

Breakfast in a Flash
Quick and healthy breakfast ideas

Bagel Critters
Banana Dog
Banana Smoothie
Family Portrait Bagels
Good-Morning Gorp
Homemade Granola
Kids' Favorite Fruit Salad
Muesli
Ready-to-Whir Smoothie
Tingly Fruit Salad
Very Berry Banana Smoothie

Hearty Day Starters
Recipes for hearty eaters


Good-Start Strategies
For the back to school transition

Shopping & Services

● Arts & Craft Supplies
● Books
● Clothing
● Costumes
● Musical Instruments
● Personalized Items
● Resale & Consignment
● Shoes
● Sporting Goods
● Supplementary Classes
● Tutors & Coaches
● Uniforms 

Educational/Printable Worksheets

www.education-world.com
www.tappi.org
www.edhelper.com
www.preschoolrainbow.org
www.preschoolexpress.com
www.schoolexpress.com
www.tlsbooks.com
www.enchantedlearning.com
www.abc.net.au/countusin
www.starfall.com
www.school.discoveryeducation.com

Other Helpful Links

Academic Excellence School Reports
Public School Directory Search
Public School Report Card Search
Texas Education Agency
Texas PTA
School Closings
http://www.dallasisd.org/ 
http://www.aisd.net/ 
www.fortworthisd.org/
www.gpisd.org/ 
www.cfbisd.edu 
www.mansfieldisd.org 
www.gcisd-k12.org/
www.southlakecarroll.edu 
www.coppellisd.com 
www.irvingisd.net 
www.kellerisd.net/ 
www.duncanvilleisd.org/ 
www.desotoisd.org/ 
www.chisd.com/ 
www.hebisd.edu/ 
www.lisd.net 
www.dentonisd.org/ 
www.mesquiteisd.org 
www.garlandisd.net/ 
www.rockwallisd.com
www.risd.org/
www.pisd.edu/
www.allenisd.org/
www.mckinneyisd.net/
www.friscoisd.org/

















  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do I register my child for school and what will I need?
Before you buy the cute clothes or pack that first lunch, the first and most important thing you need to do for your child is register your child for school. Many Schools held registration this past spring. If you have not yet registered for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year check your districts’ web-site (School District Locator, Public School Directory Search) to see when they will be holding summer registrations or if you will be able to just go to your local school and register. Also check the web-site to see what documentation you will need to register your child. This varies based on district but with most probably include:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunization Requirements
- Social Security Card
- Proof of Residency (gas, water or electric bill, or current lease agreement)

Is Kindergarten required in the State of TX?
A child is not required to attend school unless they are 6 yrs old by Sept 1 of that year. However it is important to note that if you do enroll your child in school you are required to follow attendance rules set forth by your district.

What school supplies will I need to buy?
School supply lists are listed on school and district web-sites. If you watch the Sunday papers most of the office supply and discount retailers have been running weekly sales where many items are under $1. Many schools offer a supply sale as a convenience rather then running to different stores. In most cases this is a fundraiser for the schools. If you visit your school web-site you should find information if they offer this and what they charge. Some schools as office supply stores have lowered their prices offer students who buy from the school supply sale the opportunity to meet the teacher early. Please check your school web-site for more information.

What is PTA or PTO?
Most schools public or private are either affiliated with PTA of have a PTO. What is the difference? PTA is part of the National PTA program. They have offices in each state and in Washington DC.. Your membership includes dues that are paid both on a state and national level. They focus on legislation for education and schools. Any member can attend state and national conferences and have their voices heard. You also receive discounts with you PTA membership cards to places such as Six Flags, Sea World and many others. PTO’s are parent organizations that choose not to pay dues to the national and state PTA. Usually the focus is just on the school that it is organized for and does not deal with legislation. For a full list of benefits of the TX PTA: http://www.txpta.org/ 

I work full time can I still be a member of the PTA?
Yes, joining the PTA does not mean that you have to volunteer just that you are supporting your school. By joining you are contributing to membership for your school which enables your school to win awards as well as many other benefits. But if you want to be involved many schools have volunteer opportunities that can be done at night or on the weekends.

My child is not in class with any of his/her friends is it OK for me to ask to switch?
In short, NO! There are legitimate reasons to ask for a a change this is not one of them, but surprisingly the one asked for the most. The principle and teachers spend months trying to get the right mix of boys and girls as well as academic level per class. The classroom time is for learning not socializing. Most grade levels have lunch and recess together so the time meant for socializing has the grade as a whole and your child will still be able to spend time with friends.
 


SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Texas shoppers got a break from state and local sales taxes on August 19, 20 and 21. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):
* Binders * Book bags * Calculators * Cellophane tape * Blackboard chalk * Compasses * Composition books * Crayons * Erasers * Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila * Glue, paste and paste sticks * Highlighters * Index cards * Index card boxes * Legal pads * Lunch boxes * Markers * Notebooks * Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper * Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes * Pencil sharpeners * Pencils * Pens * Protractors * Rulers * Scissors * Writing tablets

List of Clothing, Footwear and Backpacks, and Their Exemption Status

TAX-FREE
* Baby clothes * Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students * Belts with attached buckles * Boots - cowboy, hiking * Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted * Coats and wraps * Diapers - adult and baby * Dresses * Gloves (generally) * Gym suits and uniforms * Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts * Hosiery * Jackets * Jeans * Jerseys - baseball and football * Jogging apparel * Neckwear and ties * Pajamas * Pants and trousers * Raincoats and ponchos * Robes * Shirts * Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking * Socks (including athletic) * Shorts * Suits, slacks, and jackets * Sweatshirts * Sweat suits * Sweaters * Swimsuits * Underclothes * Work clothes and uniforms

TAXED
* Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches * Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students * Baseball cleats and pants * Belt buckles (without belt) * Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders * Buttons and zippers * Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics * Dry cleaning services * Football pants * Golf gloves * Handbags and purses * Handkerchiefs * Hard hats * Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports * Ice skates * Jewelry * Laundering services * Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel * Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder * Personal flotation devices * Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes) * Roller blades and skates * Safety clothing, glasses * Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf
 
Dress For Success

When asking teachers if they could give one piece of advice to parents what would it be, the overwhelming answer our editor received was about clothing. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression so leave the “Too Cool for School,” or “ The Dog Ate My Homework.” shirts at home for a few days. You don’t wanted your child branded as a slacker just because of a slogan on a shirt. On the flip side for girls look at comfort over the pages of Vogue. Large bows and ruffles might look cute for a birthday party or family picture, but think comfort. The kids will spend the majority of the day sitting in their chairs. You want them to be comfortable especially in the August and September heat.
 
Choosing the right backpack

Parents can follow these guidelines to help their family use backpacks safely and prevent injuries:
  • Choose a backpack that fits right
    •  Look for a lightweight pack with wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist belt
    • The pack should fit the child. It should not be bigger than the length of the child's torso
  •  Compression straps on the sides or bottom of the backpack tighten to compress and stabilize the contents of the backpack
  • Use the backpack correctly so weight is distributed evenly
    •  Always use both shoulder straps and adjust them so they are snug, but not too tight, and the child's arms and shoulders move freely
    • Wear the pack close to the body and about two inches above the waist so it rests evenly in the middle of the back
  • Pack only what is needed
    • The backpack should not weigh more than 15% percent of the student's body weight. For example, a 90 lb child can carry up to 13.5 lbs in their backpack.
    • Spread the weight among the compartments, with “heavier items closest to the center of the back” but not poking out
  Kids R Kids
Tips from a Preschool owner
                                                        provided by
  • Remember routines. We all tend to stay up later in the summer. A week before school starts, parents should start the bedtime and morning routine.
  • Talk it up. Remind your kids of positive things about school time. What will they do during their preschool day?
  • Setting the tone. If you exude anxiety, your kids will feed off it. Sure you should talk to your kids, but don’t dwell on what you are scared about. Tell kids of any age that it will be a great year. If you are at the elementary school and go up to see class postings, don’t say negative things out loud! Be positive!
  • Be organized. Lay out clothes or make lunches the night before. Have a place in your home for backpacks, sports equipment, and homework. When kids know where things are, they can manage themselves much easier then everyone is not running around at 7:30 am looking for the missing flute or soccer shoes.
  • Splurge on a few back to school items. Get a few new clothes or a new backpack. With older kiddos, do your fall shopping in stages. I learned the hard way last year when I bought 3 new pair of jeans for my son in August. By October, none of them fit! He had a growth spurt and everything was too short. Now, I know he will wear shorts though September, so I don’t even shop for long pants until the first cold front!
  • Extracurricular Madness. Go for quality not quantity. Your child will benefit most from one or two activities that are fun, reinforce social development, and teach new skills. If you have preschool kids, find a school that offers lots of special activities during their day so that when you pick them up, they don’t need to be transported all over town for activities. This is also true if you are looking for an after school program for older kids.
  • Visit the school with your child. When class assignments or posted or if your district has an open house, plan to attend and meet the teacher.
  • Volunteer when possible. This can be challenging for working parents. Come to one classroom party or surprise your kiddo with lunch one day. Note: check for age/embarrassment level of your child before assuming lunch from mom/dad would make their day.
  • Teach your kids to respect teachers and other authority figures. Speak positively about staff and teachers in front of kids. Teach your kids that they are to respect teachers in the classroom. Listen. Obey. Accept consequences for behavior. Your child makes decisions all day without you while at school and they are responsible for those choices whether on the school bus, playground, lunchroom, or classroom.
  • Read books about the upcoming experience. There are some excellent books for little friends that illustrate the positive aspects of school while portraying characters that are nervous at first about the new experience. Check these out for ideas: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, I Love You all Day Long by Francesca Rusackas , Maisy goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousin, Froggy Goes to School by Frank Remkiewicz, and Preschool Day Hooray by Linda Leopold Strauss are a few classics.
  Kids R Kids
TIPS from TEACHERS on how to help your CHILD Thrive In and Out of the Classroom
                                                        provided by
  • Praise your child. Parents are great at “catching a child being bad.” Look for times to “catch them being good.” Kids will repeat good behavior that gets attention.
  • If you have multiple children, let your kids try to work out minor disagreements. Kids have to learn how to solve their own interpersonal issues and problems.
  •  Assign chores without allowance. Yes, this will get some moans but really if you think about it we all have to do lots of things in life that we don’t like that we don’t get paid for! Teach your kids that some chores are just expected because they are a part of the family. Sure, you can still offer an allowance for some “big/extra stuff” like mowing the yard, but some things like making your bed and putting your clothes away are just expected.
  • Resist doing for kids what they can do for themselves. Let your child dress themselves if they are capable. Ask a loaded question like “do you want me to help you or do you want to do it yourself?” Very often, a child yearning for independence will want to show you they can do it on their own.
  • Don’t redo what they have already done. Obviously, you will need some teachable moments where you model an activity and work with them to get better. But, sometimes, you just have to smile and say “great job” while you are wincing that the throw pillow is upside down.
  • Develop predictable routines. Kids cooperate in school because the expectation is set. Set your own “house rules.” Follow them and make sure you reinforce them with your children. Everyone will do much better. If homework has to be done before electronics and that is a known rule in your house, then you won’t battle over it every day.
  • Teach your kids how to make choices. It sounds so simple but don’t tell your kids everything they have to do all the time. Narrow the movie choices to three that you allow and then let them choose. Offer two choices at snack. Begin to teach them how they can empower themselves.
  • Discipline appropriately. Make sure your kids know your expectations and discipline in a timely fashion. A young child who lied at lunch but is not punished for it until bedtime may be confused about what they did wrong- especially young children. If a child was already punished for an offense at school, decide if you think the punishment was enough. Sometimes, you may decide they were already embarrassed enough or learned the lesson. Sometimes, you will want to reinforce discipline at home. It depends on the child, age, and the type of offense. Invite your child to “right the wrong.” If they colored on the table or wall, get them to help you clean it up. If a child is older, you can even ask them what they think they deserve or consider fair. You don’t have to do it, but they may feel you value them in the process. Once we did this with our oldest and his “punishment” was more stringent than the one we came up with so we actually went with his.
  • Teach your kids that boredom is self-created. We tell our kids often that if you are bored, it is your own fault. There are so many options of things to do. Give your kids ideas if they need it, but don’t let them whine or moan until you feel guilty and take them to the movies.
  • Let your kids PLAY. Most preschool teachers will tell you that kids of this generation are not able to play as imaginatively as kids of a decade or two ago. They are the product of hovering parents who schedule every activity for them. I use to ride my Huffy bike every Saturday all over the neighborhood eating lunch at whose ever house was closest to the neighborhood pool. Sure, it is different now and our kids can’t free roam like we did, but it is also not your responsibility as a parent to entertain your kids all day. Let them figure it out, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
 
The Lunchbox Dilemma

Packing a lunch or snack that won't be traded with friends or even thrown-away or not eaten can present a challenge to any parent. What's the magical recipe for spicing up your child's lunchbox while keeping preparation time to a minimum? Mix one part child involvement with a teaspoon of planning and a pinch of creativity and your child will thank you.

Children are more likely to eat their lunch when they've had some say in what goes in their lunch box. Take them grocery shopping, a surprisingly fun and enlightening outing, and let them pick out a lunch box treat for the week. Browse with them through some kid-oriented cookbooks and let them try the recipes that appeal to them. Experiment together at home, but pack the sure thing.

To turn your child's lunch and snack-time into a delicious adventure, try some of these quick and easy tips:

• Top a celery stick with spreadable cheese and include some raisins for kids to sprinkle on the cheese. Or for dessert, spread cream cheese on apples and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

• Kids love to dip – pack a small, portable container of your child's favorite salad dressing with veggies (ranch is a big hit with kids). Or dip fruit slices – apples, bananas, pears – in cream cheese or fruit yogurt.

• Cut sandwiches into shapes using cookie cutters the night before.

• Yogurt or fruit in squeezable packages and string cheese are fun to eat and easy to pack. Or include a trail mix of dried fruits, wholegrain cereals and sunflower seeds to sprinkle over yogurt.

• Unbuttered, unsalted popcorn and wholegrain cereals are healthy snacks that pack easily and are handy to munch on during the day.

Remember to mix it up. The same old lunch routine can get boring pretty quickly, but even the smallest changes can bring a new twist to an old idea. Try pitas instead of sandwich bread, substitute a jam sandwich for cucumbers or bananas or make a trail mix of pretzels, dried fruits and whole-grain cereals instead of crackers. Remember kids often enjoy food combinations that may sound strange to you.
 
The Horror of Homework

It's that time of year again and some children are chomping at the bit to get back to school. Some, on the other hand, are a little less excited. As so many parents can remember, school is a place where learning is not always a top priority for the students and homework is often a dirty word. This year can be different simply by making some small adjustments.

Usually children are ready for a break when they get out of school. So much information is crammed into one day which makes homework as appealing as cleaning the kitty litter. The only thing most kids want as soon as they get home is a snack. Help your child refuel his brain and his body by preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. This way when hunger strikes and being patient is not possible, there will be a fast, easy, and most important, healthy choice to devour.

Next on the agenda is burning some pent up energy. It is absolutely draining using your brain as much as children do in school. On top of learning, sitting still for most of the day can be difficult for some children. Allow some outdoor fun for a half an hour after snack to let some steam off. Children will be able to concentrate on their homework and will be less likely to rush through the assignments if they are allowed to see some friends and have some down time first.

Be firm and consistent when it is time to begin homework. It might take a couple of days to fall into a routine. Part of that routine is creating a designated area for homework. Usually the best place is somewhere removed from the noise of the house. If non-school age siblings are playing and having fun while another child is trying to complete an assignment, it makes concentrating difficult.

Keep a close eye on the time and check on your child periodically. Children need to know that you trust their capabilities to do their work. Standing over their shoulders only invites insecurities to develop. Backing away and then checking later instills independence in children. It is important for children to believe they can do things on their own and still know that someone will be there to answer any questions that come up.

Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. After spending the majority of the day with your child, she might be able to offer some valuable insight. Parents, children, and teachers all working together can change the horror of homework into somewhat of a pleasant experience.

Sources include News Canada and Chiff

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