With summer winding down, it’s time to start preparing for children going back to school in Reston. Here are a few items and tips to consider when beginning your back-to-school preparations.

Keep Schedules on Track

Schedules can get busy with work, school, activities, homework, and family time. Keep your schedules managed and flowing easily by planning your time.

• Keep a central calendar in a place where every family member can see it.
• Use easy-to-read clocks around the home or use musical motivation (by the time a specific song ends, breakfast is eaten, teeth are brushed, or everyone is out the door).
• Checking in with children and other family members can help keep everyone on the same page with upcoming projects and activities.

Organize Your Home

Have you ever had to look for a lost shoe, backpack, or misplaced keys when you were already running late?

Planning ahead and organizing your home can keep precious time from slipping away and reduce frustration.

• Plan outfits for the week. Be certain to include shoes, socks, belts, and other accessories.
• Prep meals and snacks the night before to make your mornings smoother.
• Assign spaces. Create spaces specifically for school-related items and activities. Backpacks, shoes, and coats stay by the front door, homework is completed at a specific desk or table, etc.

Find Back to School Resources

Whether you are new to Reston and your child is starting school, or your child is returning to school, it is always good to have resources at your fingertips.

• Fairfax County Public Schools offers information on returning to school for the 2021-2022 school year, a standard school year calendar, and school return guidance.
• The Fairfax County Office for Children provides a list of resources for families with children of school age.
• The Fairfax County Public Library provides a variety of events, resources, reading lists, and more.
• Fairfax County also offers Fairfax Alerts which provides emergency alerts, transportation alerts, and news and updates.

Be certain to check school and other websites for up-to-date information on COVID-19 information and guidelines, event dates and times, and other details.

Create a Contact Plan

It’s important for children to know what to do or who to call if no one is home when they get home from school or who to call if a parent or guardian is not available.

Having a family communication plan with phone numbers or an emergency plan in place for your family will also help you communicate and find each other in an emergency situation.

You may already have a contact list or emergency plan in place, but it’s always good to review this information with your child and update if needed, especially if it has been a while since you have reviewed it or have recently moved.

We hope these items and information help as you switch gears from summer to getting ready for back to school!