New beginnings are exciting. A new school year can be thrilling
for everyone involved. The night before a new school year starts
is ranked second only to the night before Christmas. By the
middle of August, new school clothing has been purchased, school
supplies are in the backpack, and the family knows who the
child's homeroom teacher will be and where he should report on
the first day. The summer habit of staying up late and "sleeping
in" should be phased out. No matter how old the child is, a good
night's rest before a full day of school is a must. Otherwise,
the child may be tired and listless and need a nap after lunch.
That isn't going to please the teacher. What are some important
items for parents to remember for the beginning of a successful
school year? Here are a few: 1. Get to know your child's
teacher(s) quickly. Make it your business to visit the classroom
during the weeks before school starts. If your school has a
"Meet the Teachers" night, attend it and be sure to visit all
the teachers your c