Things to Remember on the First Day of School

Hello families!

I am so excited that the children have their first official day of school tomorrow! We have been practicing the morning routine, small group lessons, and large group activities during our classroom playdates. Now the children will get to practice everything they learned on their own! Here are a few suggestions to help make your child’s first day of school go smoothly.

Things to Remember

• All children must wear a mask while in the school building, please put an extra one in their backpack as well just incase.
• Tomorrow will be a HALF DAY. Drop off at 8:35am, pick-up at 11:40am- Door #3.
• Please be on time for drop off and pick up. Come to Door #3. DO NOT go to the office door. I will be at Door #3 for drop off from 8:35-8:45am, and pick up from 11:40-11:50am.
• Please send a blanket and extra clothes in your child’s backpack if you have not done so already.
• Play clothes and gym shoes only please, we work hard and get messy! Save party dresses, suits, and fancy shoes for picture day.

Making Tomorrow Morning Easier

Be Prepared

The first day of school can be stressful for families because a new routine is starting. Make sure to pack backpacks and have your child help pick out their clothes tonight to make tomorrow morning easier.

Make sure your child (and you!) are well rested

Try to get your child in bed a little earlier tonight so they will have enough sleep and be ready for school in the morning. Not all children are used to waking up to leave the house early. At this age children should still be getting 10-12 hours of sleep, so for example if they need to wake up at 7:30pm for school their bed time should be around 8:30pm.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Park

Plan to leave your house 5-10 minutes earlier than you need to. This will give you plenty of time to find a parking spot, walk to door #3, and give hugs and kisses goodbye.

There might be tears, and that’s ok!

Even confident children can feel nervous staying at school with out their family on the first day. Stay positive about school and talk about the new friends, toys, and things they will learn during the day. Remind them that their teachers will keep them safe and you will pick them up at the end of the day.

Be Honest

When a child is crying or upset about a parent leaving it can seem easier to say “I’m going to be in the car, or I’ll just be back in 5 minutes.” Please DO NOT DO THIS. Children end up feeling more scared and crying even more when 5 minutes is up and their parent does not come back. Stay positive and tell them “Mrs. Stortini is going to take care of you, and I will take you home at the end of the day.”

Tough Love

As difficult as it can be to watch our children be upset, it is very important that they stay at school on the first day even if they are crying. Children become comfortable at school by practicing the daily routine and building trust with teachers. We started this process during classroom playdates, and now we will continue through the first days of school.

Have a great evening, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

~Mrs. Stortini