Routines, schedules can help make the transition back to school easier

By Kirsten Stokes

With less than three weeks until the St. Joseph School District is back in session, the shift from enjoying summer activities to morning alarms can pose a challenge for some students.

Dr. Samantha Davis, coordinator of counseling with the district, said the biggest thing a parent can do for their child is start them on a consistent schedule and routine.

“As a school district, I think we must implement routines and expectations in order to have a successful school year. Bedtime, screen time things like that … they’re just, a little more lax. So, getting back into the routine of school and those things can be challenging,” Davis said.

With a history of low attendance in the district, officials are hoping that staff, parents and students communicate with each other.

Other advice that Davis shares that may not be as obvious are things like checking emails and lines of communication with the school to make sure that school lunches and bus routes are communicated properly.

This year, officials and staff are hosting back-to-school night on Aug. 14 to bring up morale and get children accustomed to new classrooms. As the year goes on, Davis thinks the district has worked hard this year to have a community environment.

“We want to be able to, help them in their journey. But we need we need them at school, too. So just, creating that bond at the beginning that we’re all in this together, is really important,” Davis said.

To find your child’s back-to-school information, go to https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/