The document provides 10 strategies for parents to help their children get off to a great start in elementary school. The strategies include visiting the school before classes start, transitioning to the school sleep schedule early, allowing time to adjust to new routines, checking transportation options, preparing supplies in advance, informing the school of any needs or changes, reading books about starting school, ensuring medical records are up to date, trusting the school's placements and feedback, and maintaining a positive attitude when learning class assignments. The overall goal is for parents to consider these tips and customize them as needed for their family.

1. Introducing—

2. Top Ten
Strategies for a
Great Start to
Elementary
School!

3. Many schools in Chicagoland
begin before and just after
Labor Day. These ten tips will
help you and your family get
off to a great start to
Elementary
School!

4. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
10 Location, Location!
Before school starts, make the
school grounds a familiar place.
Visit the playground, walk
around, spend some time walking
your child to the door. Then, bring
the backpack and let your child
walk to the door while you watch.

5. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
9 Practice Snoozing!
Transition from summer sleep
schedules to your school-night
bedtime about a week or two
before school starts. Sleep habits
are critical to learning and
success. Pick out clothes the night
(or week) before, too.

6. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
8 Tricky Transitions!
Allow time for your child to settle
into new routines and reform
good habits. Some kids find this
time exciting, others find it
stressful. Know what works best
for each of your kids and
customize your approaches.

7. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
7 Safe Travels!
Check with neighbors and known
classmates about transportation.
If your child is taking the bus, a
“Bus Buddy” can be very helpful.
Remind your child about safety,
too. Bus lines, car lines, and even
driveways can be dangerous.

8. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
6 No Surprise Supplies!
Check out the school web site
in advance. Shop together for
supplies. Even if your district
does supplies as a fundraiser, you
can shop for a few extras for
homework and projects. New
supplies can inspire new habits.

9. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
5 Tell the Whole Truth!
If you have concerns or your child
has specific needs, be sure the
school is aware. If there are BIG
changes going on at home like
moving, loss, or a new sibling,
share this as well. This step helps
everyone help your child.

10. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
4 Read All About It!
There are great books and articles
about starting a new school year.
Do your own homework to pick up
pointers and strategies that have
worked well for others. Stay a step
ahead and feel more in control
during this busy time of year.

11. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
3 Medical Madness!
Be sure your child has a current
physical examination, dental
check up, and a visit to the eye
doctor. Have a record handy of
immunizations. State laws require
all of these docs to be shared with
the nurse by October or your child
will be excluded from school.

12. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
2 Trust (Really. . .)!
Trust your school. . . about class
and teacher placements and the
feedback you receive about your
child’s progress. Keep lines of
communication open and form a
partnership. This kind of
connection benefits everyone.

13. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
1 It’s Here! It’s Here!
Class and teacher lists typically
arrive a week before school. Sport
your best “poker face” and mask
your own reactions. Kids take so
many cues from parents (often
repeating what they hear!). Your
positive reaction helps set the
right tone for the entire year!

14. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
All Together!
10 Location, Location!
9 Practice Snoozing!
8 Tricky Transitions!
7 Safe Travels!
6 No Surprise Supplies!

15. Top Ten Strategies for a Great Start to Elementary School!
All Together!
5 Tell the Whole Truth!
4 Read All About It!
3 Medical Madness!
2 Trust (Really. . .)!
1 It’s Here! It’s Here!

16. These ten tips are designed for
you to consider and customize
to meet the needs of your kids
and your school. Here’s to a
terrific start to a great year at
Elementary
School!

17. Questions?
Thank you!