Below is a lot of back to school information.

Thanks for taking the time to read through it all to be ready for a great year!

In the early fall, each household will be receiving a housing survey that all families complete each school year. This housing survey is important as it helps us to identify families that may qualify for additional support through the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act.

The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." The act provides examples of children who would fall under this definition:

• Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason

• Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations

• Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters

• Children and youth abandoned in hospitals

• Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g., park benches, etc)

• Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations

• Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations

I am your McKinney Vento coordinator at Conway School. If you are in transitional housing, temporarily doubled up with friends or family due to financial hardship, or are currently living in shelter housing, please reach out to the school as soon as possible. We can provide resources and support to help you and your family navigate basic needs during this difficult time. Respectfully,

Sallie Miller

Conway School Counselor

smiller@conway.k12.wa.us

360-445-5785.

If your family is in need of backpacks, please reach out to Ms. Sallie, our school counselor. We have been graciously given a donation of new backpacks in all sizes. We also have a cabinet full of extra school supplies for those families that are in need.

For many, getting ready to go back to school can bring on lots of emotions for a whole family. Here is a list of tips to help make the re-entry go smoother for everyone. This list of tips were summarized by articles from ChildMind. org which are also linked below.

1. Set Your Routine. Start your back to school routine early, at least two weeks before the first week of school. This means going to bed before 9pm and getting up in the morning at their normal school wake up time. This can be done slowly over these next two weeks in order to get their sleep cycle back on track. Proper sleep hygiene is crucial for a successful transition back to school!

2. Eating Schedules. Start to align your student's lunchtime with that of the school schedule. If your student has first lunch as a K-2nd grade student they will typically eat lunch around 10:45am and need a snack around 1:30pm. If your student is older in 3rd-45th grade, they will typically eat lunch around 11:25am. Middle school students eat around 12:25. Aligning your eating schedules and eating dinner earlier in order to give time for the body to fully digest your food before bedtime can help the back to school transition.

3. Get Dressed. During the summer many kids will get into the habit of wearing pajamas late into the morning or mid-day hours. By starting your back to school routines a few weeks early, this also includes getting dressed or putting out their clothing choices for the morning ahead of time.

4. Limit Screen Time. Start to limit your children's screen time, whether it is gaming, streaming TV shows, or scrolling on social media, make sure they are off at least an hour before bed. This will help the transitions to back to school and help them get a better night's sleep.

5. Talk about Friendships. A fresh new start to a school year means a change in classrooms and often a change in social groups. It is normal for children to worry about new and changing friendships. Talk with your children about what qualities they look for in others for starting friendships. Talk with them about sharing friends, taking turns, communicating their needs, and showing empathy towards others. Also remind them that making friends takes patience and daily practice. Encourage them to spend time with those that they can be themselves with.

6. Make a Dry Run. Taking your student to their classroom ahead of time is so helpful to alleviate any anxiety your child may have. Walk them to their classroom, show them where the nearest bathroom is, and where their stuff will go. Talk with your child about what they are most excited about and what they are most worried about so that you can address these during this dry run.

7. Connect with the Teacher. Starting the new school year off with a solid foundation of communication is key. You are the expert on your child and what they need to thrive and grow. Meet with your classroom teacher and establish the best way for both of you to stay in communication. Your child's teacher will want to know as much as they can about your students strengths, what motivates them to do their best, and what they need if they are having a hard day.

8. Create a Work Space. Your student will be coming home from school and will likely be expected to read or complete homework. Set your student up for success by creating a designated space for them. This space should be located in a space that limits distractions, has good lighting, and stays tidy. Let your child help in creating this space in order for them to make it their own.

9. Start Early on Supplies. Be on the look out for back to school clothing in stores. Take your children shopping for their backpack, shoes, and school supplies in early August in order to have more selection and choices. Going through the motions of back to school shopping can help their brain start to gear up for the school year. They are more likely to be excited and ready for school if they look good and feel good about their gear!

10. School/Activity Balance. Your children will be tired this first month of school with all the transitions and learning that goes along with back to school routines. It is wise to think about these first few weeks limiting their after school activities. Instead make time for family dinners, more down time/family time, and earlier bedtimes. Once they get back into the swing of school routines, then the after school sports and activities can ramp back up.

I hope you got some good ideas for your family to help with the Back to School transition! To learn more, please click the links below.

Respectfully,

Ms. Sallie

Conway School Counselor