Get ready, get set, school’s here!

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 11, 1999

DEBORAH CORRAO / L’Observateur / August 11, 1999

The first day of kindergarten is not quite the frightening event it used to be. Many kindergarteners nowadays have attended preschools or HeadStart programs and are already familiar with school surroundings.

But any new situation can present its problems, according to Kay Gauthreaux, principal of A.A. Songy Kindergarten Center in Luling, whichhas an enrollment of about 250 youngsters.

Gauthreaux says there are some steps parents can take now to make the transition easier for young students.

First of all, if your child is not already registered, it is time to go the school your child will attend with her birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization record. You will also need proof of residency in thearea the school serves.

Now is also the time to develop a routine, she says.

“Practice getting up in time to eat, bathe if you have to, get dressed and be ready to meet the bus,” Gauthreaux says.

Parents seem to get a little lax about bedtimes during the summer months, but as the first day of school approaches it’s time to start going to bed early enough to wake up refreshed in the morning.

Before going to bed, Gauthreaux says, parents and their children should select the child’s wardrobe for the following school day. Get out clothes,underwear, shoes, socks and any accessories the child may wear.

“Children need to feel good in their clothes,” Gauthreaux says. “Theyshould wear comfortable shoes—no new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet.”Gauthreaux says clothes should also be easy for a small child to put on and take off.

“Don’t dress your child in Sunday clothes,” she says. “Have them wearcomfortable clothes that make it easy for the child to go to the bathroom by herself.”Outerwear, such as coats, sweaters and backpacks, should be labeled with the child’s name. It lessens confusion if those items are lost or if childrenhave similar backpacks.

It’s important to make sure your child rides the school bus the first day of school and every day thereafter.

“Children look forward to riding the school bus as a part of going to school,” Gauthreaux says.

Your child should also be encouraged to eat in the school cafeteria. Thechild should give the cafeteria a chance before starting to bring lunch to school, she says.

The parent’s attitude toward school goes a long way in determining the attitude of the child. Parents should maintain a positive attitude and makesure that the child has the supplies and forms he needs at the beginning of the new school year.

“The child will feel more secure if he has all his supplies,” Gauthreaux says. “It will make him feel more like all the other children.”At A.A. Songy, the PTA puts together school supply packages that includeeverything the child will need except for a backpack and mat. Parents areencouraged to buy the pre-packaged supplies instead of trying to track them down in the store.

If you have to shop for clothes and supplies, Gauthreaux says, take your child with you. Let her be a part of the experience.”Children feel important if their parents have taken the time to make sure they have what they need for school,” Gauthreaux says.

She emphasizes that parents must stress that the teacher will take care of the child during school hours.

“Don’t tell your child to call home if she’s having a bad day,” says Gauthreaux. “If your child is really sick, the teacher will call for her.”Gauthreaux says parents should become actively involved in their child’s education. They should join the PTA, make sure all forms are filled out andreturned promptly, check schoolbags each night and replenish supplies as needed, she says.

After parent/teacher conferences, parents should communicate with their children about their expectations and be happy and excited about the progress the child is making.

“The most tremendous things you can do for your children is to read to them and talk with them expecting communication back,” Gauthreaux stresses. “These things are so important in developing the reading andlanguage skills they will need to make school a success.”

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