BACK TO SCHOOL PREPARATION

Plan ahead and be prepared for preK to high school

By MAAJIITAAZIIBIIKWE, MARY SAM

It’s August and the new school year is right around the corner. For some kids, going back to school is exciting and they have so much to look forward to. For some, it’s a mixture of excitement and nervousness. For others, the transition is a huge adjustment and raises fear and anxiety. As parents, grandparents, and others raising kids, being prepared and helping with the transition will help children be more successful. Being prepared takes time, but the payoffs are important. Below are a few tips to help with the transition from summer to school.

1. Talk about school starting. Speak about school in a positive way. Your positive attitude and excitement about the year ahead will help them to be more successful.

2. Encourage participation in extra-curricular activities at the school and after-school programs.

3. Getting kids to bed at their regular school bedtime and getting up early can help make that first day of school easier. Trying to establish a routine early helps.

4. If your child is transferring schools, get registered now.

5. Are required vaccinations up to date? If not, schedule an appointment soon.

6. If the kids aren’t reading books now, encourage fun reading to get them away from screen time.

7. Ask for help before the first day of school. If your child has experienced a medical issue, crisis or loss, or is struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or another issue, reach out to a trusted support person at the school to explore support options for your child. Modeling and teaching our kids that it's okay to ask for help provides our kids with a great life skill. Never hesitate to call or email the school. Lean on the Indian Education staff, social worker, or counseling staff.

8. Develop and talk about your expectations around homework. Where will they do their homework where they won’t be distracted? If there isn’t a quiet space, can they stay after school to find a quiet space?

9. If there is an open house, it is recommended to attend. Meeting Indian education staff, teachers, principals, and support staff can help reduce some nervousness, and kids will have a familiar face to look to that first week of school. Tour the school, see the classroom, and know where they will spend their days.

10. If you can print the school calendar, try putting it on your refrigerator. Knowing upcoming school events can help with your planning.

11. If time permits, get your kids' vision checked and dental work done early.

12. If your child is interested in sports, make sure they sign up on time. Middle and high school students are required to have a sports physical done prior to the sport starting.

13. Do you have before- and after-school daycare arranged?

14. Part of the fun can be shopping for school supplies. Getting some supplies or school clothes early can help create some excitement.

AREA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

Nay Ah Shing/Pine Grove: August 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. High School Office: 320-532-4695. Contact Lehtitia Weiss or Sarah Pylvanen. Both schools will be open.

Onamia: August 30 from 1 to 7 p.m. School District Office: 320-532-4174. Indian Education Program Director Chris Nayquonabe: 320-532-6839.

Isle: August 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. School District Office: 320-676-3146. American Indian Student Liaison Kate Raverty: Kraverty@isle.k12.mn.us.

McGregor: August 30 from 12:30 to 7 p.m. School District Office: 218-768-2111. Cultural Liaison Rachel Moose, 218-768-5155.

Hinkley/Finlayson: August 30. Contact the school for specific times for elementary, middle, and high school open house hours. Phone number: 320-384-6277. Bruce Williams, Indian Education Department: Bruce.williams@isd2165.org.

Brainerd School District: Website: ISD181.org or call 218-454-6900. Contact the district for specific times for elementary, middle, and high school open house hours. District Indian Education Coordinator Shayla Schubert: 218-454-6142.

Minisinaakwaang: August 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. Phone number: 218-768-5303. Contact Mary Sue Anderson for more information.