Group To Release Back To School Pointers

A collaborative group is getting set to release a document titled Back to School Pointers to support parents during the 2024/25 school year.

A spokesperson said, “For this beginning of the 2024/25 school session, various stakeholders have come together, reminded of the wisdom that it takes a village. The goal of this collaborative campaign is to help Bermuda realize that each of us are always learning.

“Everyone has the potential for personal growth over time. So that MLK of 1967 had a broader perspective than Martin of 1957. Malcolm was transformed over his 39 years. A close friend of mine was expelled in the second year of her high school, but eventually went on to successfully complete a Master’s degree.

“None of us are perfect, but life’s curriculum allows us to learn from our past.

“Parents are the first teachers of their children and thus have a crucial role. As we remind parents of the incredible leverage they possess when engaging mindfully with their children, we also remind them that they are not on their own; there’s support in the village.

“The groups – from the village – engaging in this collaborative, include, but is not limited to, Aquarium, Bermuda College, Bermuda National Trust, Department of Education, Imagine Bermuda, Library, National Museum of Bermuda, and others.

“These stakeholders of the village are intending to sustain this collaboration to support parents, reminding each other that we are all always learning. Within the next few days we intend to make available across the island, the Back to School Pointers – a readable one-pager for parents.

“In addition, on September 17th, a prototype project, championed by Nekesha Holdipp – educator and heroic mom – in collaboration with Library, will commence. This involves offering, on-loan, Family Learning Kits, including books and puzzles, which will be made available to library card holders at the Adult Library, Caesar’s Pharmacy, Somerset & Somer’s Grocery – St George. Note that library cards are free.

“Over the coming weeks and months, this initiative will continue to foster collaboration and community, addressing how – together – we might optimize the potential of all of our families and hence our children.

“This campaign is considering the whole child. In 2024 we are aware that the digital age is a two-sided sword; no question offering tangible benefits; however also having some negative impacts. To promote a conversation around those implications, the press release includes the link to a blog by Bermuda’s own Katie Davis PhD – Associate Professor at the University of Washington. Please be invited to consider her informed perspective.

Back to School Tips

• Establish routines 1-2 weeks before school starts
  • Eating – plan healthy meals/ snacks
  • Sleeping – bedtime and wake up time
  • Plan and practice morning routine
  • Decrease screen time
  • Designate area for children to do after-school activities and homework
  • Use a schedule for morning activities if it helps – try a visual schedule for younger children

• Partner with educators
  • Introduce yourself
  • Exchange contact information
  • Ask how you can help
  • Visit school, classroom, and playground

• Raise and discuss the positive aspects about going to school
  • Make time for questions and talks
  • Include time for discussion in your morning and night time routine where possible

• Inform children that anxiety/ nervousness/ excitement is normal the day before and first week of school
  • Listen to your child’s concerns
  • Validate your child’s feelings
  • Look for ways to address your child’s concerns – in an age appropriate way
  • Support children as they adjust to new school or back to school
  • Remind children they can go to adults for help at school
  • Share what is was like for you at that age
  • Read books and watch videos about first day of school
  • Role play scenarios

• Teach stress /anxiety management techniques
  • Breathing
  • Yoga
  • Movement

• Determine an emergency plan with your child
  • What happens if the pick up plan changes?
  • Who are designated adults who can pick up your child?

• Plan to spend quality time with your child after school to reconnect

• Give your child a small token to keep with them in their bag or pocket

#BermudianChildren #Education

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