The Smooth Send-Off for School

The new school year launches on Monday in Powder Springs and the rest of Cobb County, bringing both relief and stress to parents and students. Those in Lithia Springs 

Making the transition from summer isn’t always easy, but here are some suggestions from the pros for a smooth send-off.

“Definitely adjust the kids’ bedtime,” advises Laura Hawes, a guidance counselor at and Clarkdale elementary schools in Powder Springs. “Hopefully parents have spent the last week easing the kids out of their summer sleep schedule and into something more structured. But a set bedtime is necessary for them to get proper sleep; they need to be rested so they can focus in class.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recommends 10 to 11 hours for elementary school ages, and eight-and-a-half to nine-and-a-half hours for middle school and up.

Hawes suggests laying out items they’ll need for school the night before. “Have the kids pick out an outfit, pack their backpacks and put them by the door so they’ll be ready to grab and go. It takes out the stress, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.”

For Lithia Springs students, Karen Stroud, Douglas County schools' spokeswoman, suggests checking the district's website, as well as individual school websites, for start times. 

“Our schools started on the fourth of August, but if parents suddenly need bus transportation, they can call the transportation department number on the site and find out the individual neighborhood schedules for pickup,” Stroud says.

Michele Mizzell with Cobb schools also points to the district's website for schedules and times. “Make sure they check the school sites, as well, because they’ll give the drop off routes for parents.” 

Mizzell says students are allowed to bring water in containers with tops on buses in August and September to stay hydrated during the commute.

Hawes suggests kids take along a snack for between classes to keep up their blood sugar levels. 

“Just watch that the snacks are low in sugar,” she warns. Some good snack choices are fresh fruit slices, low-fat string cheese, popcorn, graham crackers, and unsalted nuts and seeds.

A good breakfast is also important, Hawes adds. “Make sure they get something with protein in it, not just empty carbs. They need brain food.”

Feeding the psyche is also crucial, Hawes stresses. “Kids will take their lead from mama. If mama is upset about sending them off to school—say, kindergarten—the child will pick up on that and be upset, too.”

The same theory applies to older kids. “You can’t let kids pay attention to rumors about their teachers,” Hawes points out. “Parents need to be positive. Tell the kids to focus on the good things that can happen in class. One ‘bad’ teacher for one kid may be wonderful for another kid."

She continues: "But if the student walks in expecting the worst, it makes it more difficult for everyone. If they walk in thinking positive, they’re more open to a positive experience.”