And just like that, another summer is coming to a close!
As we quickly approach September, and the first day of school, we’re already on campus preparing classrooms, fine-tuning curriculum, and coming together as faculty and staff to plan another phenomenal year of education up on the mountain.
Part of the charm of summer is the days and weeks of irregular schedules, late bedtimes, and lazy days creating the best memories. As these days fade into fall, we want to help turn our attention in preparation for a successful launch of the new school year. Your student might be experiencing some nerves and excitement. Getting ready for a school year can be overwhelming, especially when starting at a new school, or changing classrooms.
Whether you are a veteran family, or this is your first year at the SYV Family School, it’s good to know what to expect from the first weeks of school, how to prepare your student in these last weeks of summer, and also to provide some useful resources to support your preparation.
What to Expect in the First Weeks of School
During the first few weeks of school, we focus on getting acclimated to new routines, expectations, and experiences. During this time, teachers will help students settle in, introduce classroom rules and expectations, and establish foundational academic habits.
On the first day of school, drop-off begins at 8:15 and the bell rings at 8:30. Plan on staying a few extra minutes for our first Morning Circle of the year on the upper campus basketball court. Morning Circle is held each Monday after the 8:30 bell, and it’s a wonderful time to connect with other parents, learn the Earth Prayer with your child, and hear Julianne’s debrief on the week ahead. After Morning Circle our day will officially begin with students welcomed into their classroom to find their desks, meet new classmates, and get an orientation from their teachers. The first day is a noon dismissal, so plan your picnic lunch early!
Later in the week, join the Back to School Social where you can meet new and returning families as we come together for a fun afternoon of Hawaiian icees. Later in the month, is our first Parents Work Day where we have a bunch of fun getting projects done around campus. Cap the month with our first coffee cart, followed by the All School Hike where we get out on the mountain and learn about both our natural surroundings and our inner landscape.
During these first weeks, you might expect a mix of emotions from your child. They may be more tired and hungry than usual due to the demands of the school day—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your student might be excited about seeing friends again, or meeting new ones. There might also be some anxiousness about the unknown. It’s normal for children to take a few days (or even a few weeks) to adjust, and we are here to support them in this transition as we all settle into the new year.
How to Prepare Your Student in the Last Weeks of Summer
The last few weeks of summer are crucial for getting your child ready for the upcoming school year. Here are some actionable steps to make the transition as smooth as possible:
Re-establish a Routine: During summer break, bedtime and wake-up schedules may have become lax. Gradually reintroduce the school year routine by having your child go to bed and wake up at times closer to their school schedule. This will help them adjust to early mornings more easily once school starts.
Discuss the School Schedule: Take time to talk with your child about what to expect in the new grade. Discuss changes like a new teacher, new classmates, or even a new classroom. If possible, join us for back-to-school night so your child can connect with old friends and meet new ones, which does wonders to take the edge off the first-day jitters.
Plan Social Interactions: If your child hasn’t seen friends from school over the summer, set up playdates or gatherings before the school year starts. Reconnecting with classmates can help alleviate first-day jitters.
Ease Anxiety: It's normal for children to feel anxious about going back to school. Address their concerns, but also highlight the positive aspects, like learning new things, making new friends, and participating in fun activities.
Resources to Get Their Brains Turned On for Learning
One of the best ways to prepare your child for the academic demands of the school year is to get their brain back into learning mode. Here are a few resources and activities that can help:
Educational Apps and Websites: Apps like Khan Academy, Prodigy, and ABCmouse offer engaging ways to practice math, reading, and other subjects. These platforms are designed to be interactive and fun, making learning feel less like a chore.
Library Visits: Encourage your child to pick out a few books to read during the last few days of summer. It could be something light and fun, or it could be educational. Reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and focus.
Hands-On Activities: Summer is a great time to explore educational crafts and activities. Websites like Pinterest or Scholastic Parents offer ideas for projects that encourage creativity and critical thinking. Whether it’s building a simple science experiment or starting a small garden, these activities help kids engage their brains in active learning.
Practice Journaling: If your student is old enough to write, then journaling is a good way for children to process their thoughts, practice writing skills, and develop creativity. You can prompt them with topics like their favorite summer memory or what they’re excited about for the new school year.
Preparing for the start of a new school year can be an exciting but challenging time for both parents and children. Setting routines, easing anxieties, and offering fun and educational activities, will create a wonderful foundation for a successful school year. With the right preparation, the transition back to school can be a positive and empowering experience for everyone.
See you on campus soon!
For more information on the SYV Family School, please visit https://www.syvfamilyschool.org/ and follow along to see what’s happening around campus on our IG @thesyvfamilyschool.
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