Back-to-School

• Get Up-To-Date
  Take time at the beginning of the school year to update all of your medical records and emergency information in your planner. Also, ask permission from the individuals you choose to list as emergency contacts prior to submitting the form back to the school. Not only is it courteous, but it also allows your contact to get prepared too. When possible, choose only one person to cite at the contact for your entire family.  And if you've gotten out of the habit over the summer, remember to carry your cell phone with you whenever you aren't at home or at work in the event that an emergency occurs at school that requires your attendance.

• Stock up on Supplies
  Go shopping early! Conquer back-to-school shopping over the first few weeks of August. This gives you plenty of time to shop while benefiting from late summer sales on warm weather clothing with the fall preview in full force. If clothes and kids don't mix, try catalog shopping. You'll find it easier to stay within a budget and it keeps the kids pool side. For supplies, many schools have Web sites that post the list before the year begins. Many times schools also send the list home at the end of the school year. If you've misplaced yours, log on or give your school a call.

• Attend Back-to-School Night
  Get involved…and don't forget to take your planner! Not only can you meet your child's teachers, but you'll also get an overview of what lies ahead. Transfer important dates from the School Calendar into your planner followed by all extra-curricular activities. Talk with your child's teachers about their method of communication. You'll know when to look for a weekly newsletter or if you'll need to e-mail the teacher regularly to stay in the loop. Plan now to attend parent/teacher conference days and take stock of the many volunteer opportunities offered both in class and by the PTA. If time away from home or work to help out in person is not an option, then offer to send in any necessary items throughout the year. Supplies are always in demand and greatly appreciated by both teachers and students.

• Prioritize Your Papers
  Get your desk ready now for the paper wave that is about to hit. Identify one in-box and instruct all family members to place important papers there daily. When you review this box, also daily, to update your day planner, apply the rule of one touch. After you pick up the paper, you must either act on it or file it. When acting on it, use your day planner to schedules calls or actions. When filing, place papers in activity specific folders by family member, such as Joey school or Mary soccer. Select a storage method for artwork and special papers that come home all year. Leave the refrigerator clear and find a special way to display the most treasured items on the main level of your home, such as large picture frames, where you can change items regularly.