As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are preparing for the September rush! Whether your child is heading to kindergarten or tackling their final year of high school, getting organized now can make the transition smoother for everyone. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a checklist to help you stay ahead of the game and get ready for the busy weeks ahead.

1. Review your School’s Back-to-School Information

Check the School Calendar: Note important dates such as the first day of school, orientation, and any holidays or PD Days in September.

Read Through the Handbook: Familiarize yourself with any updates to school policies, procedures, and dress codes.

DID YOU KNOW? School calendars for different school boards can often be found online!

For the Waterloo Region District School Board, you can also subscribe to school website calendars to stay up to date on what’s happening at your child’s school.  Parents with Google Calendar can subscribe to add those events right into their own personal calendars: Calendars and Important Dates (School Information) (wrdsb.ca)

For the Upper Grand District School board, you can find PDF copies of upcoming school calendars online: School Year Calendars (Upper Grand District School Board) (ugdsb.ca)

2. Purchase School Supplies

Knowing which supplies to purchase is the first step.  A helpful resource to determine your child’s supplies list can be the school’s own published recommended supply list.  While not all schools publish a recommended supplies list, those that do may have them available on their website or distributed via email to parents.  Additionally, teachers may provide a curated list ahead of the start of classes.

Stock Up Early.  Beat the rush and buy notebooks, pencils, erasers, folders, and other essentials ahead of the end of summer crunch.

Don’t forget about the backpack! Ensure your child has a sturdy, comfortable backpack suitable for their age and needs.

3. Review and Update Health and Safety Policies

4. Update Emergency Contacts and Info

Emergency Information: Verify that the school has up-to-date emergency contact information and any relevant medical details.  This is also a great time to make any necessary arrangements for any school-required medications, including a discussion with the school nurse about administration.  Additionally, if your child needs any physical or sports clearances, make an appointment with their doctor ahead of time.

Don’t forget about Backup Contacts: Make sure you have a list of trusted contacts who can pick up your child in case of an emergency.

5. Purchase Student Accident Insurance

Protect Your Most Treasured Person: The school board doesn’t provide insurance for accidents that occur on the playground or while participating in school activities or sports teams.

Starting at $17.00 per year, Student Accident Insurance offers a cost-effective solution to ensure protection for your children when they’re at school or playing sports offsite. Learn more about Student Accident Insurance

6. Organize Clothing and Uniforms

Seasonal Clothing: Prepare for the weather by ensuring your child has appropriate clothing, including layers for fluctuating temperatures, especially in September and October.

School Uniforms: If applicable, make sure uniforms are clean, fit well, and are in good condition.

7. Prepare and Coordinate the Transportation

School Bus Information: If your child will be taking a school bus in the fall, there are resources online to help parents plan for the bus schedule.

For the Waterloo Region District School Board, transportation details can be available via a Parent Portal (more information here: Transportation Details for September 2024 will be available Monday August 19 2024 (Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region) (stswr.ca))

For the Upper Grand District School Board, transportation information can be found here: Transportation (Upper Grand District School Board) (ugdsb.ca)

Public Bus Information: Confirm bus routes, pickup times, and drop-off locations if your child will be taking public transit.

Carpooling: Arrange any carpooling logistics with other parents and/or neighbors ahead of time.

Walking/Biking: If your child walks or bikes to school, review safety rules, including where to cross the street, and practice the route with them.  The Waterloo Regional Police have provided some back to school safety tips for both parents and younger students, which can be found here: Back to School Safety Tips – Waterloo Regional Police Service (wrps.on.ca)

8. Set Up a Homework Station

Designate a Space: Create a quiet, organized area for your child to do homework.

Supplies: Equip the space with necessary tools such as a desk, chair, and good lighting.

9. Establish New Routines

Sleep Schedule: Gradually adjust bedtimes leading up to the school year to align with the school schedule to avoid a sudden transition.

Morning Routine: Develop a consistent morning routine to help your child start each day smoothly.

10. Plan for Meals and Snacks

Lunches: Plan and prep healthy lunch options. Consider involving your child in meal planning to make it an engaging learning activity.

Snacks: Stock up on nutritious snacks for quick after-school energy.

11. Check Extracurricular Activities

Enrollment: Confirm registration for any extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports your child will be participating in.

Gear and Supplies: Ensure you have all the necessary equipment or attire for these activities.

With this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a smooth and successful start to the school year. Labour Day will be here before we know it, so preparing now will help make the transition to those early mornings easier for all.

Also, by being organized and proactive, you’ll set a positive tone for your child’s academic journey. Here’s to another fantastic school year ahead!

BONUS: Are you a teacher? You qualify for a discount on your car and home insurance!

Staebler Insurance has been a long-time partner of the Waterloo Region District School Board, the Upper Grand District School Board, and the Wellington Catholic District School Board, and offers faculty and staff Group Rate Insurance. Find out more and get started with a free quote here: Group Rate Insurance Program – Staebler Insurance

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business, and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region and southern Ontario. Get a Quote to get started today.