Written by Alexandra Arnold

Clarksville, Tennessee: – August is here! For Montgomery County, that means school is starting again. All parents know how stressful the last few weeks of summer vacation are, making sure their child is ready to start school.

One of the top priorities of parents is to make sure their child gets the right education. Jessica Goldberg, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Clarksville Montgomery County School System (CMCSS), shared her tips with Clarksville Living Magazine on how parents can help their children have a great school year.

What basic things can parents do to help their children (K-2nd grade) have a good school year?

The first thing I recommend to families with young students is to start the conversations early. The month before school starts is a great opportunity to hear how they feel about school, discuss any concerns, and share your excitement for the year ahead! Our children respond to the attitudes and emotions around them, so modeling positive behavior for them is really helpful.

Families can also build their child’s confidence in the classroom by practicing basic skills. Simple tasks like opening their own juice carton, cutting with scissors, cleaning up after a craft, or using the bathroom alone can help children ease some moments of anxiety.

What basic things can parents do to help their children (3rd-5th grade) have a good school year?

For families with older elementary students, it’s really helpful to help your child adjust to school again at the beginning of the year. Consider starting your morning and bedtime routine a few weeks before school starts. This will make those first early mornings much easier! If they don’t read daily, encourage them to spend 15-20 minutes a day with their favorite book.

This is also a great opportunity to talk to them about what they are reading and ask them questions about the book. Learn about the characters, the plot, and why they like the story. These conversations help children think critically and feel confident sharing their thoughts.

What can parents do each night to ensure their children (K-2nd grade) are ready for school the next day?

Children thrive with a routine. Establishing a regular bedtime, limiting use of electronic devices before sleep, and reading with your child before bed are all wonderful additions to a nightly routine.

Young children who are not used to getting up early can help the night before by picking out their school clothes, getting their toothbrush ready, or packing their backpack. Doing these simple tasks the night before can help you avoid the emotional storm in the morning.

What can parents do each night to ensure their children (3rd-5th grade) are ready for school the next day?

This is the perfect age to start practicing self-management. Encourage your child to make choices that will help them prepare for school the next day.

This may include packing their children’s lunches the night before (under your supervision), choosing their clothes, packing their backpacks, and checking their take-home folders for paperwork or school information.

What should parents give their children (K-2nd grade) on the first day of school?

The first half of school day is a time for elementary school students to get used to school and meet new friends.

Although they can bring some school supplies, you don’t have to bring everything on the first day! Bring a water bottle, a snack, and maybe some of their stationery on the first day of school.

What should parents give their children (3rd-5th grade) for the first day of school?

Even for this age group, the first half day of school for elementary students is a time to get used to school and meet new friends. While you can bring some school supplies, don’t feel like you have to bring everything on the first day!

On the first day of school, bring a water bottle, a snack, and maybe some stationery. Games and electronics should be left at home to avoid them being accidentally left at school or damaged.

What tips are there to reassure parents when their child starts kindergarten?

Whether it’s your first or last child starting kindergarten, each one is a reason to show affection. Families, remember that the first week of school can be overwhelming for children. They look to you for support, care, guidance and encouragement. Continue to be your child’s biggest cheerleader!

I would also strongly recommend parents get familiar with ParentSquare. The mobile app is very convenient and allows you to receive one-on-one messages from your child’s teacher, class notes, photos, newsletters from the principal, and information from the school district. There is often a lot of information to process at the beginning of the year, and ParentSquare provides an easy-to-use tool that helps you find all the communications in one place.

What do you suggest parents of fifth graders do this year to prepare their children for middle school?

The transition from 5th grade to middle school is almost as hard as starting kindergarten! Families can start preparing their children for success today, and the foundations they learn this year will help them transition into middle school and later high school.

Some examples of self-management were mentioned above, but another great way to practice it is by completing homework on time and staying on top of school work. Talk to your child about how to make responsible choices, understand their personal actions and the consequences of their actions, and praise them when they show care and concern for others.

Every day we have the opportunity to role model the behavior we want our children to have in the classroom!