3 Must Do’s at the End of the School Year

The end of the school year is upon us.  Where did the year go?

Tame the Clutter

The school papers can really line up.  Notices, graded homework, graded tests, forms for signature…the list goes on and on.  Whatever you do, don’t get drowned in school papers!

Inventory the supplies your children have left that can be used at home over the summer or for the next school year.  Keep an eye open for summer sales on school supplies in anticipation of what your child will need during the next school year.

Artwork can also pile up.  Hopefully, you and your child have already decided how you will prevent this from happening.  If you have not, it’s time to discuss whether you will keep the best pieces “on showcase” until the next school year begins, you will take digital pictures of their work, or you will create an art portfolio for the year to store.  Rachel from Small Notebook has a great post about How to Keep and Store Children’s Art.

Participate in a Parent-Teacher Conference

Whether it’s your regularly scheduled conference, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, or needs to be a special request, be sure to make the time to meet with your child’s teacher before the end of the school year.  Thank him or her for their guidance and support.

During our meeting, my son’s teacher had some excellent, personalized suggestions for preparing for next school year.  Since she spent upwards of 7 hours a day with him, she knows his personality, strengths, and weaknesses.  She recommended “Summer Bridge Activities” to retain what he’s learned and suggested participating in summer reading programs, based on the reading level he is on.  This was invaluable information that I would not have had.

Make a summer wishlist

Similar to the 100 Days of Summer list we made last year, we like to find inexpensive activities in our area and plan family events around them, to round out the summer.  You will often find many events sponsored by local museums, libraries, and businesses that fill your whole summer.  You can have a staycation in your own city.  Stay tuned for our 2012 list, which may give you a head-start on things to look for in your city as well as programs sponsored by national retailers.

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What did I miss?  What’s on your end of school year list?