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lunchbox messages.

Starting school is such a significant transition for a child, it's very important to get it right as a child's first days may affect the way they feel about school forever.

Your behaviour on the first day of school can also affect your child's long-term school career. The idea is to be happy, smiling and let your child know education is a great thing!

Immunization:
Most states now require proof of immunization before they will allow children to attend school. State laws vary regarding which immunizations are needed but the majority of states require proof that your child has received at least the following immunizations:
Three doses (3) of Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis
Three doses (3) of Tetanus & Diphtheria
Thee doses (3) of Polio vaccine
Two doses (2) each of Measles, Mumps, & Rubella after one year of age.
Proof of immunization consists of a written record indicating the month, day & year that your child was immunized. The only exemptions to the school immunization requirements are medical reasons, religious beliefs or a strong personal conviction opposing immunizations. Has your child's vision and hearing been checked before he or she begins school? If problems are found early in your child's development they may be able to be corrected or other strategies implemented to cope with potential problems.

Yes / No

Find out in advance what the school expects from new kindergarten students.
If you know the school's expectations a year or two ahead of time you will be in a better position to prepare your child.
Is there a school readiness test?
What is involved in this test? See our Test & Questionnaire sheets.
If you don't agree with your school's expectations for your child, you may want to meet with the principal or kindergarten teacher to talk about this.

Parent Orientation:
Some schools will hold orientation meetings for parents who are enrolling their children in kindergarten. If your school doesn't plan such a meeting call the principal's office to ask for information and to arrange a visit.

Child Orientation:
Visit the school with your child before their first day.
Walk up and down the hallways pointing out the classrooms, the library, the toilets, the playground, the gym & the cafeteria (if applicable).
For boys, make sure they have used a urinal before starting school (many boys have only been to the female toilets with their mothers) this can be source of teasing from the older boys.
Water is a basic necessity so ensure your child knows how to use a water fountain/bubbler (i.e. not to put their mouth on the source & how to turn it on).
During your visit make positive comments about the school then reinforce those comments when you are at home.
If you can, meet the kindergarten teacher and introduce them to your child.
Talk with your child about how the teacher will help them learn new things.
Explain how important and exciting the things that he or she will learn in school. Things like reading, writing, arithmetic, science, art and music.
If you know other children that will be going to school with your child, invite them around for a play during the holidays before their first day.

Walking or Biking:
Will they be walking to school with others - a brother, sister, neighbour or friend?
Have you planned a walking route & does your child know the most direct way to & from school?
Have you tested the route with your child?
Do they understand how to obey all traffic signals, signs, traffic officers & safety patrols?
Do they know to walk their bike through traffic signals & crossings?
Do they understand that they need to be extra careful in rainy, foggy or snowy weather?
Does your child know to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields & other places where there aren't many people around?
Have you taught your child never to talk to strangers, or accept rides or gifts from strangers? Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your child doesn't know well or doesn't trust.

Car:
Do they know to wear a seatbelt in the car?
Don't drive away until they have entered the school-yard or building.
If car-pooling, does your child know the drop off & pick up point?
Is the drop off & pick up point as close to school as possible?

Packed Lunches:
Children tend to eat healthier if they have a say in preparing a meal.
Foods need to be either non-perishable or able to be kept in a lunchbox for half the day.
Have you asked your child what they would like to eat for their school lunches?
Have you considered making a weekly school lunch menu with your child's assistance?
What sort of containers will the food be put into?
Is the box insulated so that food is kept at the right temperature or do you have re-freezable ice packs to keep the food cold?
Does your child know how to open their lunch box?
Do they know how to open cling wrap packages & drink containers?
Have you got some special notes telling your child how special they to put into their boxes? This can boost self-esteem & make their school day more enjoyable.
School Cafeteria:
Does your child know how to get to the cafeteria/lunchroom?
Do they understand the rules of the cafeteria?