Summer flew by, didn’t it? It’s nearly time to go back to packing lunches, checking backpacks for homework assignments, and shuttling kids to practice after school.
But before you throw yourself into back-to-school preparations, take a look at our handy checklist for the Phoenix area to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.
Go Through Your Closet
Before you run out and buy new notebooks, look through your child’s old school supplies for ones that can be recycled for the new year. Take a few pages out of an old book or sharpen a few pencils, and you’ll save significant money.
Get Dates on Your Calendar Now
You don’t want to miss back-to-school night, teacher conferences or even the first day of school. Mark the important dates on your calendar immediately. Here’s a handy reference of first days for Phoenix-area schools:
- July 20: Riverside Elementary School District #2
- July 27: Balsz School District #31
- July 29: Littleton Elementary School District
- Aug. 3: Phoenix Union High School District, Fowler Elementary School District, Isaac Elementary School District #5, Kyrene School District, Laveen School District, Murphy School District #21, Roosevelt School District #66, Tempe Elementary School District #3, Tolleson Elementary School District, Union Elementary School District #62, Wilson School District #7, Tempe Union High School District
- Aug. 4: Tolleson Union High School District (freshmen start on Aug. 3)
- Aug. 5: Phoenix Elementary School District #1, BASIS Phoenix School District, Cartwright School District #83
- Aug. 6: Cave Creek Unified School District #93
- Aug. 10: Peoria Unified School District, Glendale Elementary School District, Glendale Union High School District, Pendergast District, Creighton School District, Madison School District #38, Washington Elementary School District, Deer Valley Unified School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Scottsdale Unified School District
- Aug. 12: Alhambra Elementary School District, Osborn School District
Prepare for Early Wakeups
Bedtimes often slide back during the summer, but don’t wait until the night before school starts to readjust. Start putting your kids to bed early in the two weeks before school starts.
Bookmark Relevant Websites
Are your kids enrolling in new schools this year? Make sure you have their schools’ websites and social media pages bookmarked for quick reference.
Collect the Forms
Your kids will be bringing home lots of forms from school, whether they include doctor’s permissions for sports to basic information their teachers need for the first day. Make a file folder for each child, and train them to park their important papers there as soon as they get home from school.
Schedule Doctor and Dentist Visits
Make sure to get your kids’ medical needs taken care of before school starts. Schedule physicals and bi-annual teeth cleanings in the days you have left. If you follow these tips, going back to school will be a breeze for you and your kids.
