Transitioning from the lazy days of summer—when structure happily slips through the cracks of time—to the certainty of a school-year schedule can be stressful, not only for returning students, but also for the entire family.
The adjustment from marathon movie sessions on the couch, swimming with friends until well past dark and extended weeknight trips for ice cream will soon give way to the preparation of organized calendars, carpools and the sometimes-dreaded back-to-school routine. Here’s information that can help you bid farewell to summer and transition your agendas into the first ring of the 2018-19 school year bell.
Local Public School Enrollment
Mesa Public Schools
When enrolling your student for the new school year, be sure to have the following information in hand:
- Child’s proof of age and identity
- Proof of address
- Immunization records
Mesa Public Schools will begin the 2018-19 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The first steps for being prepared for the new school year are at your fingertips. Whether you’re new to the area or an established Mesa resident, you’ll want to make sure your child is enrolled in a school that best fits his needs.
You are able to explore and enroll your student online by visiting Mesa Public Schools at mpsaz.org to find your neighborhood and apply for open enrollment. The website provides information on traditional and charter school locations, CTE courses offered, advanced-placement course information and classes designed to challenge your creative and performing arts-minded student. This information will help you make the best choices for your child’s education.
By visiting the website, you also will be able to obtain information about transportation, including school bus routes, pick-up and drop-off times and stopping locations. Find out what the cafeteria is serving for breakfasts and lunches, as well as manage your cafeteria accounts at this site.
Preschool and Charter School Enrollment
Do you have a preschool-aged student?
Self Development Preschool offers childcare services for toddler to school-aged children. Visit their website at selfdevelopmentpreschool.com, or call
(480) 396-3522. The developmental setting is designed to enrich your child emotionally, intellectually and socially, while specializing in small class sizes with a high educator-to-student ratio.
Self Development Academy—Mesa provides education for students from kindergarten through grade eight, and offers accelerated curriculum designed to fit the strengths of individual students. Visit the website at selfdevelopmentcharterschool.com.
Once you have established which school your student will attend and registration is completed for the new year, check out Retail Me Not at retailmenot.com for discounts, deals and coupons on school supplies at some of the retail stores offering the best yet back-to-school deals. Big reductions mean money in your new school jean’s pocket this fall at stores like Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy’s.
Settling back into the school year
Parents and students are encouraged to try easing into the shift of seasons by utilizing the following tips inspired by education specialist Janelle Cox, educational writer and elementary education expert:
Practice the routine—About a week before school begins—eat, sleep and prepare activities scheduled around the same time your child will have to leave and come home during the school day. This gives everyone in the house a chance to ease back into a new structure.
Shop together—Build responsibility through choices. Allow your student to pick out his own backpack, lunchbox, etc.
Make an after-school game plan—Where will your child go after school on regular days? What about early release days? Plan for unscheduled dismissals, sick days, etc.
Stay positive—Discuss future events with your child, such as fall holidays and outdoor activities that will take place even after the school year begins. Remind them of the friends they will see routinely.
Get organized—This means a designated station for homework and school informational material, as well as athletic and extra-curricular participation forms.
Janelle Cox is an education writer who uses her experience and knowledge to provide creative and original writing in the field of education. Janelle holds a Master of Science degree in education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She also is the elementary education expert for About.com.