Beech Tree News Network

The remaining lazy summer days for children are numbered. The Butler County School calendar lists “First Day for Students” as August 6 – only three weeks away. Although I love summer, I realize – unlike some of my grandchildren – that it’s time to prepare for the coming school year.

In preparation for school, parents and guardians have much to do. Students must have up-to-date immunizations and physical exams. Students also need school supplies. What school supplies are necessary? In the past, schools in our area have publicized grade-level school supply lists as well as posting them in many area stores. Of course, stores advertise back-to-school sales, so price comparison is possible. Also, as children grow, clothing and shoe sizes change, resulting in a need for additional items. Getting kids ready for school can be a financial burden for many families. An Internet article (http://www.wral.com/conquering-back-to-school-spending/12632399/) provides some great advice: “Shop your house before buying supplies or clothing.” Truly, sometimes in our hurry to get the kids ready for school, we overlook what we have in our own homes – often tucked away in a closet or a toy area.

When school opens, we may see families with children adjusting their schedules and routines. During the summer months, many parents allow children to have a later bedtime. But with the opening of the school year, children are likely to see earlier bedtimes. Many children may find this adjustment to their internal clocks exhausting. The website WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/sleep-children) provides some general guidelines regarding how much sleep children need:
•    Children 3 to 6 years of age may need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per day.
•    Children 7 to 12 years of age may need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per day.
•    Teenagers (up to 18 years of age) need 8 to 9 hours of sleep per day.
Interestingly, the amount of sleep a person needs increases if he or she has missed sleep in previous days. Eventually, the body will demand that a sleep debt be repaid. Our bodies don't adapt well to getting less sleep than needed. Many of us have experienced this.

Finally, parents can be involved in their child’s education. First, a parent might ensure that homework is completed and returned. Our local school system also uses various communication tools to reach out to the community, such as local media sources, the school’s website, the school’s marquee, parent one-calls, emails, messages, Facebook, and Infinite Campus. These communication tools provide parents and guardians with information needed to be informed and involved with their child’s education. Also, schools encourage parental involvement in many ways: site-based councils, PTO’s, school programs/events, booster clubs, and volunteers. Each parent may choose how to be involved.
 
Like many students, my grandchildren aren’t all that eager to get back into the school routine. But, education may be more necessary than ever before. And as Malala Yousafzai said, “… education... it's like a precious gift. It's like a diamond” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/malalayous569386.html). When the yellow school buses pass by, let’s pray that our students and their teachers have a safe and productive school year.