Dear Hillside Elementary School Families,

The halls of our school have been far too quiet without the buzz of your children’s laughter, questions, and stories filling the air. We’re just as excited as they are—perhaps even more so—to see their smiling faces and get this year started. Whether your summer was filled with road trips, backyard adventures, or just trying to keep up with the whirlwind of family life, we hope it left you with wonderful memories…and maybe just a bit of well-deserved peace and quiet for yourself!

As we all shift gears back into the school routine, you might be wondering: How do we get from the lazy summer mornings to those structured school days without losing our sanity? Fear not! with a few simple strategies, your child will be ready to hit the ground running, and you’ll be amazed at how smoothly the first week back can go (at least in theory, right?). So, let’s dive into a few practical tips that will help set your child up for a successful school year.

1. Reducing Screen Time

It’s no secret that screens have probably been a big part of the summer lineup—whether it’s video games, endless YouTube videos, or family movie nights. While we all love a good binge-watch, too much screen time can make it harder for kids to focus, sleep, and stay engaged in school. Recent research suggests limiting screen time to 1-2 hours max daily.

So, how do we make the switch? Start by encouraging activities that pull them away from the digital world. Maybe it’s time to dust off that old board game, send them out for a neighborhood scavenger hunt, or let them get creative with some crafts or baking. Less screen time means more opportunities for them to engage with the world around them, setting the stage for focused minds and open curiosity as the school year begins.

2. Adjusting Sleep Schedules

Ah, sleep. The magic potion that we parents often dream of but rarely get enough of. While summer may mean later bedtimes and even later wake-ups, the school year will soon demand a return to structure. Start shifting their bedtime earlier in small increments, and watch as the household settles into a peaceful rhythm. Picture this: The sun sets, the house quiets down, and your child, tucked in bed with their favorite blanket, slowly drifts off into a restful sleep. Not only will this help them wake up bright-eyed and ready for the day, but you’ll also get to reclaim a bit of your evening too (a win-win, right?). By the time school starts, they’ll be waking up refreshed and eager to tackle new challenges.

3. Introducing Reading into Their Day

Few things are as magical as the world of a good book, and as we prep for the school year, reading is the key to unlocking that magic. If you’re trying to break the screen time habit, books are the perfect antidote. Research shows that just 20 minutes of reading each day can sharpen your child’s mind, boost their vocabulary, and open up whole new worlds. Imagine them curled up in a comfy chair, completely absorbed in a story that transports them to a place where anything is possible. Whether it’s a fantastical adventure or a fun non-fiction book about their favorite topic, these moments spent reading will build the foundation for their academic success. Plus, it’s the perfect way to wind down before bed, setting up that sweet, restful sleep we mentioned earlier.

We, at Hillside are also invested in setting the school off on the right course and are excited to provide the opportunity to engage directly with families on Orientation Day. Rather than all students beginning a full day on September 3rd, Orientation Day will be held. Multiple sessions from which parent can choose, will provide and opportunity to meet the teacher, tour the classroom, ask questions, and prepare for the coming year.

As we step into this school year together, I want to thank you for your continued support, humor, and participation. I’m truly excited to see all the incredible things your children will accomplish this year.

Here’s to another year of learning, laughter, and growth!

Warm regards,

Jen Durham