Trennis Harvey has been an educator for nearly 19 years. He wouldn’t exactly say he’s nervous before the first day of school.
“But you always have this little tingling in you,” says Harvey, principal of Heritage Academy in southeast Atlanta. “I like the tingle. It always keeps you on your toes.”
Harvey offers three key pieces of advice for students at the start of this school year: Keep an open mind. Be willing to take on challenges. And read. Then read some more — fiction, nonfiction, even comic books or video game manuals. “Reading is my big drive because reading spurs everything that we do,” he says
For parents, here are seven tips to help your child get off to a good start this school year:
1. Register for school.
At Atlanta Public Schools, unlike some other districts, students must register each year. If you haven't registered yet, Atlanta schools will hold registration from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. today as well as open houses. While you're there, get information about joining the school's PTA.
2. Get your kids on schedule.
School-night bedtimes should start the week before the first day of school, Harvey says. “My kids are going to bed at their regular time this week. I’m getting them into that groove now,” he says.
3. Read to your children at least 30 minutes a day.
Pro-tip: If your children are reluctant readers but big-time video game fans, tell them they can only play their new video game if they read the game’s manual first.
4. Talk to your children about expectations.
Talk to your children about what you expect from them this school year — and listen to their expectations and any nervousness or misgivings. “Kids are nervous whether it’s a new school or not,” Harvey says.
5. Buy the right supplies.
Get a copy of your child’s school’s supply list and stick closely to it. There’s no need to go overboard and buy the 64-crayon set if it’s not on the list. “The 12 pack will be enough,” Harvey says. Check with the school to see what their uniform policy is too.
7. Meet the teacher — and make sure the teacher knows you.
“My child is spending seven and a half hours a day with you so I really want to get to know you,“ Harvey says of his own children’s teachers. If your school has an open house before the first day of school, he says that can be a better time to meet your children’s teachers than amid the rush of the first day of school.
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