Helpful tips for back to school

With the first days of school right around the corner, there are some helpful tips for parents and students to keep in mind to help the school year start off on the right foot.

Hilary Bales, Principal of East Elementary in the Waynesville School District, said she has high hopes for the upcoming school year.

"Our hopes will be that we have a successful school year and that everybody works well together," she said. To accomplish that, Bales had a few simple tips to prepare for the academic year.

"If parents could make sure that they label their child's items, like their book bag and their lunch box, that really helps," she said. "Also, parents should make sure they keep their child's bus pass in their backpack."

Bales added that busses might run a little slow the first few days of school and if parents have any concerns they can call their child's school or the transportation office.

While many district students have already been enrolled, school enrollment can be done throughout the year at the child's school. To enroll a student, a parent or guardian will need to bring the child's birth certificate and vaccination records to the individual school.

Bales added that each family in the district will be receiving some paperwork regarding free and reduced rate lunches as the school start date approaches. "Each parent will be getting a free and reduced lunch application sent to them and if they could fill those out and send them back, even if they know they won't qualify, just check a 'no' and send it back anyway. We appreciate it every much."

On top of everything, Bales said one of the best things parents can do is start preparing children and teens for the back to school routine. She added that it's a good idea to start at least a week early.

"Start getting the child to bed, getting them up in the morning and getting them breakfast," she said. "That way when they get here, it's not a big shock to the system."

School is starting a bit later in the Waynesville District this year, due to continuing construction on the 6th grade center. School will start for local students Sept. 4, but many neighboring districts begin school this week.

Bales said once school starts; it's a good idea for parents to keep lines of communication open with teachers and academic staff. She added that can be done in a variety of ways, as each school has a website and many have Facebook pages.

"They can also get signed up with Powerschool and check their child's grades and lunch account information from there," Bales said, explaining the web-based program. Anyone with questions about Powerschool, or setting up an account, can contact the office at their child's school.

And for any parents sending their children off to school for the first time, Bales had words of reassurance.

"We do this every year," she said with a smile. "We make adjustments every year to even get better at it. We are ready to welcome them with open arms. We are excited to have them.

"I feel like we have a really great school district," she added. "Just communicate with us. If there's a concern, call us. We want to help. I think we'll have a great year."