We are Gearing up for the Start of School! Join us for Gear Up Day, July 31.

July 31	Gear Up Day
Aug 1-31st	PTO Membership Drive
Aug 1	KK New Parent Orientation  5:30
Aug 6	First Day of School
Aug 6-10	Staggered entry of KK
Aug 13	Parents and Pastries (Parents New to WSE) 7:45-8:15
Aug 16	Adopters Breakfast 9:00
Aug 17	Summer Packets Due Grades 1-5 Independence Day
Aug 23	KK Pictures
Aug 23	Yankee Candle Kick-off K-2 (1:25), 3-5 (1:45)
Aug 23	Title 1 Meeting/ Curriculum Night 5:30
Aug 24	Title 1 Morning Meeting, Bullying Workshop (8:00)
Aug 24	Skate Night (6-9)
Aug 27	KK Independence Day
Aug 30	Donuts with Dads 7:30
Aug 31	Donuts with Dads 7:30

It's almost that time of year again!

Here are 10 back to school tips to kick-start the new year and get you prepared for a fresh start.

1. Get back into your sleep routine. To help eradicate those stressful school mornings, set up a regular bedtime and morning time routine to help prepare your child for school. Begin your usual school sleep routine about a week or so before school starts.

2. Shop for school supplies together. To get your child excited about starting a new grade, shop for supplies together. Allow them to pick out their own backpack, lunchbox, etc. This is a great way to give them a little bit of responsibility too! Check out the WSE website for a list of required supplies for each grade level.

3. Re-establish school routines. Have your child practice getting back into the rhythm of their daily school routine. You can do this by having them wake up at the same time every day, and eat around the same time they would at school. About a week or so before school starts, plan a few outside activities where your child will have to leave and come home around the same time they would if they were in school. This will help them be rested and ready for the big day.

4. Set up a homework station. Sit down with your child and together designate a time and place where he can do his homework each day. This can be somewhere quiet like in the den, or even in the kitchen while you are preparing dinner. Make sure to choose a time where you are available in case your child needs your help.

5. Complete Summer Reading and Math Requirements- It is a good for your child to continue to read and practice skills learned from the previous year. Print the reading and math packets from the WSE website and have your child complete the activities before school begins. Choose some books from the appropriate reading list on the WSE website and read/discuss books with your child.

6. Make an after-school game plan. Make a plan for where your child will go after school lets out for the day. This will help eliminate any confusion during the first few weeks.

7. Turn off the TV and video games. For a lot of children summertime is filled with endless video games and TV programs. Ease your child into the learning process by limiting electronics and encouraging them to read or play quietly.

8. Review school material and information. Check the WSE and SCS websites for important dates and information. Make sure that you read through this information carefully, and mark down all important dates on your calendar.

9. Get organized. The best way to prepare for back to school time is to be organized. With school comes a massive amount of paperwork which can consume your household. Designate a spot in your house for homework, permission slips, and any other school-related papers. This can help eliminate all of that paper clutter and make your life less stressful.

10. Get your child’s yearly checkup. School and germs go hand in hand, so it’s best to get your child’s yearly checkup before school even starts. Get any required vaccinations and ask your pediatrician the best ways your child can stay healthy throughout the school year.