Back to School
The first day of school is thrilling and terrifying. New classes, new teachers, new levels of work. All the newness can feel overwhelming. Providing the proper resources and information to our students can help ease them into the new school year with the confidence they need to succeed. August is a fresh start and students have a chance to set new goals. Some students might want to participate more in school events/extracurricular activities, or some students might want to focus more on their academics. No matter the goal, it is crucial that students are encouraged by the adults around them. We must give students the best possible chance to have a successful school year! Talk to your students! Guide your students! Most of all, create a safe environment that allows them to share their questions or worries. Let’s give students the most rewarding and remarkable school year yet!
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
–Nelson Mandela
Six Ways Students Can Prepare for School
1. Start your routine early
Waking up is arguably the hardest part of starting a new school year. No more all night binge watching Stranger Things, no more sleeping in until 11am, no more late night phone calls with friends. The struggle of getting into a new sleeping schedule feels utterly impossible. It’s best to start a new sleeping schedule a week before school begins, give yourself time to work out the kinks.
2. Make a to-do list
Create a list of things you absolutely must get done before school begins. From finishing up summer readings, to getting organized, to going to your school’s open house.
3. Get ready the night before
Rushing in the morning to get everything together can be a pain and causes more anxiety than needed before the first day. Utilize some time the night before to get your outfit prepared, make your lunch, and be sure to pack your school supplies.
4. Eat your breakfast. Seriously.
Eating breakfast can provide the energy you need for those long school days. Getting the proper fuel you need is essential! Be sure to check out your school’s breakfast options!
5. Be respectful of your teachers
Remember it’s your teacher’s first day back as well. Respect them by showing up to class on time, be prepared to learn and listen. First day jitters affect everyone including your teachers and school staff. Be kind to them!
6. Make friends
Make sure to nurture old friendships, but also create space in your life for new friendships. School can be tough, so leaning on your friends can be extremely helpful. Find a study buddy, join a club, or maybe try to participate in a few school events. Make the most of the year!
Ways Our Communities Can Support Teachers
1. Show your appreciation
Express your gratitude to educators!
- Thank you notes are much appreciated
- Donate to teachers’ amazon wish lists
2. Join the PTA (Parent Teacher Association)
The PTA engages families, support student success, improve the health and safety of students and families, increase access to arts education or celebrate advocacy and diversity.
3. Volunteer for school events
- Giving students one-on-one tutoring in reading or math
- Speaking to a high school class about your career path
- Assisting the school’s library media specialist
- Painting an elementary school during the summer
- Chaperoning field trips
4. Attend school board meetings
Most education spending and decision-making happens at the state and local level. That means you, as a voting citizen, have a voice to make sure teachers have the support they need.
5. Be respectful and considerate
Teachers have a plethora of responsibilities and do the very best they can to fulfill their duties, but please, understand teachers struggle as well. When issues arise, please, engage in helpful and supportive language.
August Events
August is the month parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, and students prepare for the upcoming school year. Creating a to-do list is a necessity. From shopping for school supplies, clothes, shoes to organizing classrooms. All of which could be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Check out some community events going on in August to make the transition into the new school year a little bit easier! Take time to reconnect with your community!
Back to School & Health Awareness Fair
August 21st
About the Event: Core Diagnostics will hold the Back to School & Health Awareness Fair on Sunday, August 21, 2022. We will distribute backpacks with school supplies and fun games and activities for the kids.
We will also promote healthy eating by providing delicious food options, free health screening, and giveaways for the adults. ALL FREE!!! Fun to be had by all! Come out and enjoy!
Location: 3831 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN
Time: 2pm – 6pm
The Alphabet Club
Starts August 9th
About this event: Join us for a monthly social & networking time for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.
Meetings will focus mainly on group discussions, but will also include educational talks, resources, and activities. Teens are also more than welcome to bring their own topics and questions for discussion.
Location: Merrillville Library
Time: 6pm – 7:45pm
Register: https://www.lcplin.org/event/6833479
MomsNation Back to School Brunch
August 18th
About this event: Grab a friend and join the Dyer Moms in the Middle for a Back to School Brunch at AVGO in St. John.
**PLEASE RSVP FOR RESERVATION HEAD COUNT**
We hope to see you!
MomsNation is dedicated to encouraging, equipping, and empowering you in motherhood.
Moms with children birth through high school come to find community, encouragement, and inspiration to be the best mom you can be. We’re Better Together!
For more information, visit momsnation.org
Location: AVGO in St. John, Indiana
Time: 9am
Register: Back to School Bunch
(219) 757-1800
8400 Louisiana St. #200
Merrillville, IN 46410
info@geminus.care
geminus.care
Spotlight: Head Start Geminus Corporation
Head Start, a program funded by United States Department of Health and Human Services, serves America’s most vulnerable young children and their families. Geminus Head Start programs deliver services in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way.
Services offered:
- Head Start for preschool children ages 3 to 5
- Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers under the age of 3
- EHS-CHILD CARE Partnership Program is a program serving child care centers by providing comprehensive and continuous services to low-income infants, toddlers, and their families.
(219)764-CLUB (2582)
3691 Willowcreek Road
Suite 200
Portage, IN 46368
info@bgcgreaternwi.org
bgcgreaternwi.org
Spotlight: Boys and Girls Club Greater Northwest Indiana
BGCGNWI inspires and enable the youth of their communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Services offered:
- Academic Programs at the Club
- Encourage engagement in learning at an early age
- Complement regular school-day activities
- Enhance academic performance
- Good Character & Citizenship Programs
- Promotes the development of a positive self-image and strong character
- Teaches positive and effective strategies for responding to conflict
- Healthy Lifestyles Programs
- Promote the importance of leading a healthy and productive lifestyle
- Encourage positive decision-making for physical, social and emotional development
August Recommendations
Please, be wary that this month’s recommendations deal with topics that can be triggering. The topics deal with violence and drug dealing. It is important to bring awareness to these topics, but it is also important to know one’s limitations and boundaries. Please, be safe and take caution in reading and watching these materials.
I Wish My Teacher Knew
Written By Kyle Schwartz
Schwartz explores her child-centered teaching philosophy, sharing practical tips and ideas along the way. As a teacher in an elementary school in Denver, CO, Schwartz encounters concerns familiar to many educators
Critical Thinking
Directed by John Leguizamo
Trigger Warnings: Violence, drug dealing
Miami — 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. “T” Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle.
Abbott Elementary
Created by Quinta Brunson
A group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
