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Show PAGE 2 The Times-Independe- Extra! and nt supplement ol August 2001 9-1- 6, 101: Getting a jump start on that first day Back-to-Scho- ol time is almost here, and basking in these last days of sumBack-to-scho- mer is all you can do to keep your cool with the fall season fast approaching. Youve got one child starting kindergarten, one starting the sixth grade, and one entering their junior year in high school! You might think that getting through the month of August without going crazy and broke is impossible. Have no fear. Relax and take note of the following tips on some basics. Starting a new school: Whether your family has moved or your child is starting junior high or even high school for the first time, a new school can be a scary experience. Some things to do before school starts might include: Visit the new school. If possible, ed take a preferably-a- nd see the location of your childs classes, the gymnasium, the lunchroom, etc. Introduce your children to their teacheris). He or she may be there for an orientation if there is one, or may be available the day before school starts. This is especially important for children starting kindergarten. Another option is to meet the principal or secretary. Any familiar face will be a comfort on the first day in a new back-to-scho- Back-to-Scho- ol tour-guid- school. for new students. Orientations are common in high schools and in some junior highs. Check out options for younger children. Starting Kindergarten: The same advice applies as when starting any new school. However, according to teacher Stephanie Perrin, there are things that your child will use. By the winter break, new supplies will be in need. A good plan is to buy doubles or triples of supplies during summer sales. You will have one less thing to worry about during your winter holiday shopping. New Clothes: Do try to buy something new for the first day of Try to buy something new for the first day of school...Decide together what is needed and set aside a day or evening to shop. school. Kids will feel better of class dren in the home, there may be a need to set aside a study period during the evening. Figure out everyones schedule and post the time on a message board in the kitchen-- 7 p.m. to 9p.m. Sunday through Thursday--fo- r ex- ample. No homework? Good grades can call for some free computer time, but when a report card tells a different story, suggest that the child read a book or get started on a school project. The Internet: Most kids can outdo their parents in computer knowledge. So it is up to parents to keep up with current software and pay attention to and more excited about going back to school. As for shopping, take what their kids are using the comnames. Knowing how inventory of puter for. No one can be with a child to tie shoes, button what the child every time they turn on the Internet, alhas and what but schools and parents often choose buttons, recite the fits. Maybe filtering and safety software. still how to phabet and Take the initiative and responsibilcount to 10 would be helpful too. a need of they only pair jeans, a Brush up on reading to your child sweater, or a fall jacket. Decide to- ity to find out what your child's school and be sure they understand how to gether what is needed and set aside is using and how they handle the a day or evening to shop. listen to a story. viewing of restricted subject matter. Take the time to evaluate use of safety Homework: Show consideration School Supplies: Many schools will software in the home. and followfor for concern in childs homework a a list the provide spring kinis fall. child If the or in new of Instead activities. Regardless of age and whether you stern ing being a parent or a child, going back to are about a be can interested be list homework, doing dergarten, probably school can be an exciting, fun and Do school office. homework at the Make with picked up yet an effort to buy what is needed and your child at the kitchen table (while scary time. There may some tears and use common sense with older children you do your own work or pay bills). frustrations, but youll be more than Or check in on them every so often prepared. With these tips, sending (i.e. They wont be needing crayons). Watch for sales in late summer (now!). while they are doing homework in kids off to school should be a breeze. Just wait until they go to college . And remember that this is only the their room. If necessary and with several chil Courtesy of Article Resource Association. first round of supplies that children should know before starting kindergarten: - Their first and last name, and their parents first and last easy-goin- g. . See if there are special programs s HF K J2r3Ct Cm3 Sate tLl perfect ! r .4 i (Mto Knowles Nem Fr W f i 1 I 90 days sarm m cash I 1004 financing available m. I W t' 1 ' Ti rr'i tiiMrriniiWiirtrtMy.ihTa1 4 mmi w W. r . fsr (JLJ 5, HWY 19 Moah c ai2S9-lb8- 5' - |