WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WFMY) – So you think you’re ready for the first day of school?
In less than two weeks, student across the Triad will be hitting the books again after (a very hot) summer break.
We’ve gathered some information from our local school districts’ “Back to School” guides to make sure you’re ready beyond just the school supplies.
Here’s a checklist of things you may want to take care of before the first day of school.
- Is your child enrolled?
If you’re still not sure what school your child is assigned to, you can find out through each school district’s school locator, and to make sure they’re enrolled, be sure to call the district’s student assignment office.
Here’s a sub-list with a link to the school locator followed by a student assignment office number for each district.
Alamance-Burlington School System 336-570-6060
Alleghany County Schools 336-372-4345
Guilford County Schools 336-370-8303
Randolph County Schools 336-633-5048
Rockingham County Schools 336-634-3986
Stokes County Schools 336-593-8146
Surry County Schools 336-386-8211
Wilkes County Schools 336-667-1121
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools 336-748-3302
Yadkin County Schools 336-679-2233
- Are you attending the open house?
Be sure to check your child’s school district and school’s calendar so you’re in-the-know on when open-houses will be hosted. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System says, “Going to the open house will give you a chance to meet your child’s teachers, the school’s principal and others who will be working with your child.”
- Jot down important dates on your personal calendar
To follow-up on #2, there are also other important dates on those calendar that outline school schedules, graduation schedules, holidays, make-up days, and more. Having them on your personal calendar, or even printing out the calendar and putting it on your fridge can help you remember those important dates and schedule ahead.
- Immunizations? Check.
Immunize.nc.gov is a branch of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and is a great resource for parents wanting to know what immunizations are required for your child before the school year begins.
In today’s digital age, most school districts have lists of school supplies necessary for different level and programs on their websites. A lot of stores make it a little easier and have copies of local school’s lists available in their school supplies section.
For families who may need assistance in purchasing school supplies, keep an eye out on social media for posts about giveaways by local non-profit organizations and local government agencies. Here’s a list of school supply giveaway events in the area.
Each school and school district have its own rules regarding dress code. Dress codes are usually outlined in the school’s student-parent handbook or code of conduct. Check with your child’s school about dress codes.
Jimmy Buffett sang it, you should know it. A lot of schools now accept students to bring their own devices like phones, tablets and computers for educational purposes. But you’ll also want to know your student’s, which is an important way for them to access various material for class, school announcements and district software.
That 10PM bedtime just won’t do anymore…
On its website, WSFCS says a week or two before the first that of school is a good time to re-establish a school-day routine. A good night’s sleep will help your child be ready to kickstart the new year.
Start thinking about how your child will be fueling their brain while at school. Are lunchboxes your thing, or is does cafeteria breakfast and lunch fit your lifestyle a little better? If the latter, make sure you know how much you send your child with in their pockets.
Families eligible for free or reduce lunch, make sure you’ve already applied. Call your school to find out how to fil out an application.
You child’s school will need to contact you in case of an emergency. Make sure the contact information you’ve provided the school is up to date and that the school actually has it on file.
- School times
You don’t want your child to be tardy on the first day! Check in with your child’s school about school beginning and ending times. Each school in each district is different. Just because Susan’s daughter’s school starts at 8AM, doesn’t mean your son’s school starts at the same time, even if they’re in the same district.
Speaking of school beginning and ending times, they may not fit YOUR schedule. If you have to work earlier or later than your child’s beginning or ending times, you’ll want to have arranged before- and after-school care for your child.
But you don’t want your child to miss it when it stops by your house! Call your school to confirm bus routes and bus stop information if your child will be taking the bus this year.
Schools want you to be in the know! Every school provides families with access to student/parent handbooks and codes of conduct at open house, but many are also available online in each school’s website.
These handbooks tell you everything you’ll need to know about the school, its rules, its administrators, teachers, and more.
