A Back-to-School Guide for Parents: What to Prepare for a Smooth Start

The back-to-school season is always exciting, while it also brings a long to-do list for parents and guardians. Being prepared can help make the transition from summer to school more joyful and less stressful. With less than one month until the first day of school, we’ve put together a back-to-school checklist for families, covering everything from academics to emotional well-being, to help you start the year on the right foot.

Here’s to another enriching year ahead!

Tip 1: Start the Year Healthy and Strong

A healthy child is a ready learner. As you prepare for the new school year, pay attention to the small, consistent habits, such as getting enough sleep and eating nutritious meals, that help children stay focused, energized, and eager to learn. If your child(ren) has any special medical needs, reach out to the school so that everyone is aware and well-prepared to provide the appropriate support.

Moreover, review your kid’s health documents to make sure everything is up to date, which can include: 

• Annual physical exams
• Dental Appointments
• Vision exams
• Allergy action plans
• Any other specialist reports

Vaccination requirements vary by state. In New Jersey, children under age 5 are required to receive an annual influenza vaccine by December 31 to attend school or childcare. Check the latest requirements with your child(ren)’s school and your local health department, and plan ahead to make sure all required documentation is submitted on time.

Tip 2: Transition to School Routines

Help your child(ren) adjust by gradually re-establishing school-day routines, including waking up, getting dressed, and having meals at regular times. This makes the start of the school year smoother and less stressful for both you and your child(ren). 

For instance, you can find the schedule of a typical school day for a nursery student at Tessa here. 

Tip 3: Review the School Calendar

Take time to review the school calendar to stay up to date on events, holidays, and special activities. Knowing what’s ahead not only helps with planning but also strengthens your involvement in your child(ren)’s learning journey. Parental engagement is a crucial element to supporting both academic success and social-emotional growth.

You can find more about our upcoming school events here. 

Tip 4: Prepare School Supplies Early

Gather backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, extra clothes, and other essentials; be sure to label them with your child(ren)’s full name. 

For Tessa families, you can easily find a list of school necessities and dress code for different grade levels in our mid-summer emails. 

The right school supplies not only support learning but also build independence. Letting children help select or pack their items can help build a sense of learner agency and make them feel more excited to take on the new responsibilities that come with a structured schooling environment. 

Tip 5: Support Emotional Readiness

Strong social-emotional preparation helps children manage feelings of anxiety or frustration that can arise when starting school. Talk positively about school life, practice short separations for younger children, and role-play classroom routines. You can find more about how to support your child(ren)’s social-emotional wellbeing here. 

For families, starting school is also a big transition, especially when your child(ren) is starting school for the first time or adjusting to a new environment. It’s natural for parents to have questions, worries, or even a little separation anxiety of your own. Stay open to communication with the school, and share anything that may help them better understand your child. Keep in mind that children can pick up on the emotions of the adults around them, so try to approach the transition with calm and confidence.

At Tessa, we believe a positive and trusting relationship among families, educators, and the School creates a strong foundation for children’s learning experience. Our Buddy Family Program helps newly enrolled families feel connected from the start. The monthly meetings with the Head of School also give families a space to ask questions, share suggestions, and stay engaged with the school community.

Happiness is one of the three central pillars of Tessa International School’s mission.

Tip 6: Keep Learning Fresh

Summer can be a time of change in children’s learning. Research on summer learning loss shows that students may lose some of their academic skills over the less structured summer months, with math skills often more affected than reading. 

To make the most of summer and keep your child(ren)ren engaged in learning, consider these easy but meaningful activities: 

• Read age-appropriate books they genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a novel, comic, magazine, or picture book.
• Explore the bilingual language-learning resources curated by our highly credentialed, native-speaking teachers in Spanish, French, and Mandarin. 
• Practice math through everyday activities such as cooking or shopping. 
• Write postcards, keep a short journal, or create stories about summer adventures.
• Visit libraries, museums, parks, and other places that encourage curiosity and exploration.

At Tessa Summer Camp, we support campers as they learn, play, and explore different weekly themes in an immersive Spanish, French, and Mandarin environment. These enriching experiences help keep children curious, engaged, and ready to learn when school begins.

Tip 7: Stay Connected with Your School

As the new school year approaches, make sure you know where to find important school information. Check your email and school communication platforms regularly for updates about schedules, events, class announcements, and important deadlines. Take a few minutes to review any parent handbooks, newsletters, or welcome materials shared before the first day. A little preparation can make it easier to stay informed and connected throughout the year.

Tip 8: Attend School Orientations

If your child(ren)’s school offers an orientation or back-to-school event, make time to attend with your child(ren). Take the opportunity to visit the school, meet teachers and other families, and become familiar with the classrooms and routines. Talk with your child(ren) along the way and listen to their thoughts and feelings about the new school year. These experiences can help children feel more comfortable and confident during their first few days.

It’s also an opportunity for parents to ask questions about important topics such as drop-off and pick-up procedures, afterschool programs, parent organizations, and communication channels. If you need more details, don’t hesitate to connect with teachers or school staff during the event.

Last but no least, enjoy the rest of summer with your child(ren)! Spend time together as a family, explore something new, and give your child plenty of time to rest and recharge before the new school year begins. Then, get ready to welcome the year ahead with fresh energy and excitement!

Are you ready to explore the only international leading private school in Hoboken?

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!