BVSD Back to School checklist

En Español

Another academic year is here, and with it comes re-establishing routines and taking the necessary steps to be ready for the first day. As a BVSD parent, there are some important steps to complete over the next week.

1. Update your contact information
   Did your physical address, email address or phone number change? Make sure you have all updated information for your family and student reflected in your Infinite campus parent portal account so that the appropriate information can be shared.
   
   Want to get your BVSD communications in another language? Set your language preferences by logging into your School Messenger account.
    
2. Make a plan for school meals
   Great news! School meals (including breakfast and lunch) are free again this year for all students thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All Program. Students will receive a full breakfast, along with one entree (with unlimited salad/fruit to accompany the entree) for free each day. Please note, this does not include second entrees and a la carte items purchased without a full meal (like a side salad, milk, or fruit). These items can still be purchased using your student's meal account. Take a look at the 2024-2025 menus to see the variety of choices now available (including a gluten-free and a dairy-free lunch option daily)
   
   Even though meals are free, it is still very important that eligible families complete the Free & Reduced Price School Meal application, as it waives and reduces fees (including athletics/activities and school technology fees) district-wide for many families and impacts important funding for individual schools. If you are unsure if your family qualifies based on income, review the eligibility chart on the Free and Reduced Meals webpage. Parents can also check their Infinite Campus Parent Portal inbox to see if they qualified through direct certification.
    
3. Complete any necessary registration, payments and action items requested by your school
   This may include providing information to the school as needed, paying fees or purchasing required supplies, sign-up to volunteer at school, make a plan to attend back-to-school events. Look to your school for more information on these action items.
    
4. Meet or complete an exemption for immunization requirements and share health conditions with your school, or schedule an appointment with your provider
   BVSD follows Colorado law requiring all students attending Colorado schools to be vaccinated against certain vaccine-preventable diseases unless an exemption is filed with the school. K-12 students who are not in compliance with immunization requirements will be excluded from school after November 4, 2024 until their status is compliant. Learn more on the BVSD Health Services webpage.

Transition Tips

(shared from: Back to School tips for parents: Establishing routines for a successful academic year)

With the right routines in place, parents can help their children transition smoothly back to the structured environment of school. Below find a reminder from BVSD’s Health Services department on their tips for establishing routine and healthy habits ahead of each new school year.

1. Start Early: The key to a smooth back-to-school transition is starting early. Begin adjusting your child's routine gradually at least one to two weeks before school starts. This will help them ease into the new schedule without feeling overwhelmed. Gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times closer to the school schedule to ensure sufficient rest.
    
2. Create a Morning Routine: Mornings can often be chaotic, but having a well-established routine can make a significant difference. Prepare for a successful morning by doing the following:
   • Set out clothes and backpacks the night before.
   • Prepare lunches and snacks in advance to save time in the morning.
   • Establish a specific morning routine that includes breakfast, hygiene tasks, and any other necessary preparations.
      
3. Establish Homework Habits: Homework is an integral part of a student's academic journey. Help your child develop healthy homework habits by implementing the following strategies:
   • Designate a specific time and place for homework.
   • Minimize distractions during study time, such as turning off the television and keeping mobile devices away.
   • Be available to provide guidance and support while encouraging independent problem-solving skills.
      
4. Foster Effective Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with your child's teachers is crucial for their academic success. Take these steps to foster effective communication:
   • Attend parent-teacher meetings and stay informed about your child's progress.
   • Establish regular communication channels with teachers, such as emails or phone calls.
   • Address any concerns or questions promptly, showing your active involvement in your child's education.
      
5. Encourage Healthy Habits: A healthy lifestyle contributes to better academic performance and overall well-being. Help your child develop healthy habits by:
   • Promoting a balanced diet and providing nutritious meals and snacks.
   • Encouraging regular physical activity and allocating time for exercise or outdoor play.
   • Ensuring adequate sleep each night to support concentration and cognitive function.
      
6. Foster Independence: Encouraging independence in your child is vital for their growth and development. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities to promote self-sufficiency and build confidence. Tasks like packing their school bag, organizing their study area, or managing their own belongings can help foster independence.
    
7. Establish a Family Calendar: Maintaining a family calendar can help everyone stay organized and keep track of important dates and deadlines. Include school events, extracurricular activities, and any other commitments to ensure that the entire family is on the same page.

Remember, a well-structured routine not only helps children thrive academically but also provides a sense of stability and confidence as they navigate the school year ahead. For more information you can visit Childmind.org for more strategies to navigate the “back to school nerves”.