August, despite the fact that it has no federal holiday, is a full month. There are both end-of-summer and beginning-of-school things to do. It feels a little like having one foot caught in the past and one stepping into the future. August is definitely a whirlwind month. Whether you are sending a Kindergartener to school for the first time or dropping off your college student in a new town or anything in between, August will likely be full of checklists and schedules.

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need to make the transition back to school in Student Planning.  Not yet a member?  Join today and get organized for the classroom, homework, and extracurricular activities.

Here are a few things that you may want to be sure to include on yours.

• Get supplied
  A new school year means new teachers, new lessons, and new supplies.  Create a master list of all supplies that are needed to buy and start paying attention to local sales.
• Dress for success
  Not only do children grow a lot in one year, but they also put their clothing and shoes through a lot of hard use.  The beginning of a school year is a good time to outfit a student in clothes that fit.  Check your clothing inventory for clothes that you already have on hand before you go out to buy new ones.
• Check for good health
  If your child is starting Kindergarten or a new school or a sports program and needs a physical, schedule their appointment today.
• Make a lunch plan
  Will your child be eating lunch provided by the school?  If so, how much will it cost?  How will you pay?  If you or your child prefer lunch from home, what will your child be packing in his/her lunchbox?
• Adjust routines
  Summer bedtimes are generally more relaxed, but as children head back to school, they must prepare their bodies with more sleep.  “Early to bed and early to rise. . .” are good words to live by.
• Set Up or Update your Calendar
  Setting up a good calendar system for your family is vital.  Everyone needs to be on the same page.  The important things to note and to keep track of are homework/project due dates, appointments, practice schedules, events, holidays, and so on.

What is on your Back to School reminder list?