ABCs of Wrapping Up the School Year

The time is here! The school year is winding down, and kids, teachers and parents are preparing for months of summer fun! But the end of the school year can bring challenges as well: Are your kids overbooked this summer? Will they be bored? Are they ready to graduate to the next grade level? Have you talked about how the school year went, now that it’s complete? Here’s an A-Z guide to help you and your children wrap up the school year and prepare for summer break.

Accomplishments! Look back on all your child has achieved this year and celebrate the year’s successes.

Bucket list for summer. What do you want to do? See? Experience? Write it down and check items off as you go.

Childcare lined up for summer? If this is a need for your family, now is the time to have it figured out.

Does your child know what to expect this summer? Do you have lots of activities booked? Or more open playtime? Make sure she is on board with your calendar.

Enrichment! Summer is the perfect time to delve into activities like drama, art and music.

Final report card is received. Have a discussion with your child. How does he feel about it?

Good-byes can be hard. Prepare for emotions and a bit of sadness as your child may have grown very attached to his teacher.

Host an end-of-the-year celebration with close friends so your kids know they’ll maintain those friendships throughout the summer. Invite teachers too, but understand if they decline.

IEPs/504s. Finalize transition plans and be prepared for what comes next.

Jump-start for next year. When does school start again? What do you need to do to register?

Keep them focused on schoolwork until the last day—you’re not there yet, kids!

Library books still lying around the house? Return them!

Medications should be brought home from the school nurse.

Neighborhood book clubs or writing clubs are great ways to keep the brain working and foster friendships over the summer.

Opportunities over summer. Think about how you can be active, work on citizenship and volunteer.

Presents for teachers—thank them for their hard work!

Questions to ask: Is your child on track for success next year? If not, what does she need to work on over the summer?

Read! Read! Read! Public libraries offer many excellent reading initiatives that take place all summer long.

Summer camps booked? If not, better get on it! Time’s a ticking!

Take home personal items/special projects from school.

Understand what this time means for your child. Let him exert a bit of independence as he feels bigger now that he’s the next grade level up.

Volunteer to help teachers and staff wrap up. Clean, organize, recycle, make lists for supplies needed.

Write the teacher a letter saying thank you and share a favorite memory. Kids and parents can both write to the teacher, telling her what the school year has meant for them.

X marks the spot! Take a picture of your child in the exact spot you took his first-day-of-school picture! Compare and see how much he has grown!

Yearbooks received. Grab some signatures!

Zzzzzs—It’s not summer yet! Make sure your kids rest as the school year winds down. It might be tempting to play outside until a later hour, but that’s what summer is for!

Kids, parents and teachers might be counting the days until summer break is truly here, but hang in there. Work hard until you reach the finish line and then have a fantastic summer!

            Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.