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A Mandarin-track Teacher is welcoming back her student at Tessa International School.

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

August 13, 2026/in Enrichment, Parenting /by Tessa International School

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.

C'est La Rentree! Welcome back to School.

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!

A girl smiles happily on the first day back to school

5 Tips to Start The School Year off Right

August 26, 2024/in Parenting /by Tessa International School

A new school year is around the corner. A little preparation before the first school bell rings can effectively boost your child(ren)’s confidence for the months ahead. Here are some easy tips to set kids up with a good start, helping them be ready for a successful school year.

Heartwarming classroom decorations to welcome students back to school

Welcome Back to School. Let’s make this year the year of “Fulfillment and Joy”!

1. (Re-) Establish daily routines.

Summer break is often associated with rest, leisure, and a more relaxed schedule. To ensure a smooth transition back to school, it is helpful to spend time readjusting to structured school life. Introducing consistent routines helps children improve their time management skills and reduce any possible anxiety they may feel about entering a different environment.

Start by adjusting bedtime and wake-up times. Gradually shift these schedules closer to the school timetable. Such step-by-step changes will ease the transition and benefit children over a longer term.

2. Check the backpack.

Do the school uniforms still fit? Are the water bottles and lunch boxes packed? The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to create a checklist for all necessary school supplies. Ensuring the right supplies are organized and ready fosters your child(ren)’s enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

Lovely students learning English when they back to school

Being prepared keeps children motivated and excited.

3. Complete all paperwork required

There are often forms and documents that need to be filled out and signed by parents before the school year officially begins. These documents are essential for accurate record-keeping and ensuring your child(ren)’s safety. By checking your email inbox and submitting these forms on time, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and help the school get to know your child(ren) better.

4. Initiate constant communications with teachers.

Have you received our Back-To-School email with your child(ren)’s class and teachers information? Open communication between parents and teachers is essential for maintaining a supportive educational atmosphere that benefits students. Always keep an eye on the communication channels, and remember to keep your contact information up-to-date. For the latest updates on school life and student achievements, be sure to check the school’s social media as well.

Parents and teachers keep constant communication as a school year starts

Positive Parent-Teacher communication plays an important role in student development.

5. Get involved in the school community

Decades of research have shown that parental involvement is crucial for empowering your child(ren). Actively participating in the school community demonstrates to your kid that you value every step of their development. Additionally, this engagement helps you develop a collaborative network, keeping you informed about school events, policies, and opportunities.

At Tessa, we believe that it is both the School’s and our parents’ joint mission to build a cohesive, global-minded community. Besides our amazing Parent Organization, we offer a range of leadership opportunities and chaperone positions awaiting your passion and ideas. Check out our recent school community email and event calendar. Sign up for those that fit into your schedule and interests. We are excited to create a thriving community where everyone feels welcome and valued!

Tessa Community celebrates World Music Festival together.

You can help our Tessa community forge a path towards a brighter future. Join us today!

As summer comes to its inevitable end and a new school year begins, we cannot wait to discover the many ways your child(ren) will grow and develop this year. By working together, we can help make the new school year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Here’s to a fantastic school year where every moment is an opportunity for success and celebration!

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

Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

5 Tips to Help Kids Stay Safe During Their Return to the Classroom

August 15, 2020/in Teaching and Learning, Uncategorized /by Tessa International School

By now, you’ve likely done your due diligence researching the health and safety guidelines for our children’s return to the classroom. You know how and when to handle modified drop offs and pickups. You know to monitor your child’s health and keep up with doctor visits and immunizations. The list of new safety guidelines may seem endless, but they are necessary. So how do we go about easing the stress they may put on children as they return to the classroom?

How to Ease the Return to the Classroom

Though it may seem like a lot to take in, there are a few things parents can do to help prepare their children for the first day of post-pandemic school. By helping children understand what to expect, it will normalize the new routines and simplify the entire process. Here are 5 tips to help ease the transition safely:

1 – Remain Positive

Children pick up on our emotions and feelings, even if we don’t express them verbally in front of them. The best way to help children remain positive about the new practices they’ll be facing, is by remaining positive ourselves. Be aware of what we are saying (both verbally and non-verbally) and try to focus on the positives.

2 – Practice Hygiene Routines at Home

This is something you’ve likely been doing already but stressing the importance of proper hygiene at home will help children continue to do so at school. Get them in the habit of washing their hands at least once an hour as well as utilizing hand sanitizer and being mindful of keeping their hands away from their faces.

3 – Make a Practice Run to School

It’s one thing to explain a new school drop off or pickup routine to your children, but it’s quite another to experience it. Children often learn best by actively participating in something versus simply being told, so it can be greatly beneficial to try a practice run to school before the first day. This can help them better visualize what to expect when they arrive on the first day.

4 – Keep Open Communication About What’s to Come

Another crucial element to easing the transition back to school is to keep an open line of communication with children as well as school administration. Knowing what the specific guidelines and protocol will be and effectively helping our children understand them through open communication is key to normalizing the new routines.

5 – Get in the Routine Ahead of Time

Lastly, as with every school year in the past, transitioning back to school routines can be tough if kids are not prepared. This year should be treated no different on that aspect. Help children be ready on the first day of school by getting them in the habit of school day routines well in advance. Help them by regulating bedtimes, morning processes, and having schedules in place.

Despite the uncertainties that may be felt about the reopening of schools, we can help our children be safe and prepared by our actions and our communication efforts. Be the example and prepare them for a healthy return to the classroom!

Preparing for the Return to School in the Wake of COVID-19

August 1, 2020/in Teaching and Learning, Uncategorized /by Tessa International School

While area schools set COVID-19 safety plans into effect for the official return to the classroom in the next few weeks, many parents are wondering what safeguards they should be putting into place as well. Since keeping our children, staff, and family members healthy during this unprecedented pandemic is the highest priority of our community, we certainly want to make sure we are all doing our part to ensure the safety of everyone upon our return to school.

Preparing Your Family for the Return to School

With the beginning of the new school year upon us, families have been filled with questions regarding how education administrators are planning to keep them safe in the wake of COVID-19. After several months of being away from the traditional classrooms, the return seems to carry a degree of uncertainty among families as we all work to safeguard our community from the spread of illness.

The best way to ensure the health and well-being of students and staff this school year is by staying informed of all guidelines and protocol as well as preparing ourselves for the new norms. School functions may look a bit different this year, but it doesn’t mean it needs to be scary or uncertain for our communities. There are several things families can do to help wane any animosity and keep the return to the classroom an exciting time for everyone.

Understanding State and Local Guidelines

The first step in preparing for the new school year is to familiarize yourself and your family members with the local and state regulations regarding safety in school settings. By knowing the legal health and safety requirements placed on all New Jersey childcare facilities and schools by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), we can begin to understand the extensive precautions being taken to ensure the safety of staff and students.

At the state level, schools are required to abide by strict COVID-19 safety protocols in order to remain open for in-person teachings this fall. These health measures include things like:

Daily body temperature monitoring of all who enter the facility
Classroom sizes are limited to no more than 10 students
Face masks are required for all staff members
Extensive sanitization and disinfectant cleaning routines by staff and students
Completion of proper daily licensing log for the DCF to retain program eligibility

Preparing for School Safety Regulations

Once you have familiarized your family with the DCF requirements for a safe return to the classroom, the next step is to understand any additional protocol implemented by the school administration. Since many schools are opting to include more extensive health and safety regulations, it’s important to know what to expect before the first day of class.

At Tessa International, we have carefully considered the most efficient ways to ensure the safety of our students and staff and are already utilizing our On-Site Safety Measure Considerations that have been put into place for all summer programs as well as the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Among the new protocols, families should prepare for the return with the following requirements:

Staff are required to test for COVID-19 prior to the start of the school year. Students are urged (but not required) to do the same.
Ensure all children are current with their physical health screenings and immunizations.
Have all emergency medical and personal forms filled out in detail, including contact information in the event of sudden illness.
Help children prepare for daily body temperature checks and health screenings by getting them used to this at home.
Normalize frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer at home – this will be a frequent occurrence during the school year.

Your 2020 School Supply Shopping List Additions

With the introduction of new health and safety procedures this year, it goes without saying there will be additional school supplies in order to perpetuate these sanitization efforts. In addition to the usual school supply items, families may be asked to provide items such as:

Hand sanitizer
Surface disinfecting products
Gloves
Facemasks

Many schools may need help keeping up with essential sanitization and safety items, so it is possible you will see these items added to their list. As always, however, it’s best to check with school officials for a complete list of necessary supplies prior to the start of class to ensure your child is safely prepared for the first day.

Helping Kids Learn to Practice Healthy Germ Fighting Habits

One of the best ways families can prepare for the new year is by devoting time to helping children better understand what the changes will be and what is expected of them. By helping to normalize routines like frequent hand washing, using sanitizers, regular surface sanitizing regimens, and keeping safe distances from others, parents can help lessen any animosity they may face on the first day of class.

If you’re looking for ways to help your child ease into the new regulations, here are a few tips for parents to try:

Practice hourly handwashing at home – more frequently as needed.
Allow children to use child-safe cleaning and sanitization products on home surfaces after using them.
Have children wear masks at home to enable them to get used to having them on during school.

Community Safety Commitment to School

While the current public health state has caused a great deal of change for our global communities, it has also shone light on our abilities to band together – even at a distance – and persevere. Our commitment to not only the health of our own families, but those of our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members, is what will help us not just pull through this pandemic but come out with a greater understanding and respect for all. Welcome back!