Start the school year off right with a new year resolution

Last night I dreamed I went back to Manderley School. The twisting roads lined with street signs warning of overdue lunch accounts, missed PTA meetings and, the most feared sign of all, the one telling me to turn around because my child forgot everything she needed for the day.

I woke from s nightmare in a heavy sweat, with that sense of panic that only a new school year can bring. I knew it was just a dream, but at the same time it seemed so real, as if it was just yesterday that I had forgotten to send 2,000 popsicle sticks for my daughter's art project, or that I had scheduled conferences on the same night as a basketball game, Lego League, tennis match and music lesson.

But then it hit me. Just as I was ready to give up on being prepared for yet another school year, I realized there was still time to save this school year. No more lunches packed and forgotten. No more late homework. This year will be different.

You have heard about Christmas in July, but what about New Year's in August? That's right, what if the procrastinators, organizationally challenged or just plain overwhelmed parents made a New Year's resolution in August to make this year better? Just like December 31 provides an opportunity to bury bad habits and start fresh, a new school year offers the same clean slate or at least a fresh college-ruled pad of paper.

Resolve to keep up with the calendar. Most schools post information on their Web site or send informational letters regarding early outs, in-service days, standardized testing dates, fundraisers, and extracurricular events. Transfer these important dates to your home, work and portable calendars for easy reference and can plan around accordingly. There is nothing worse, after all, than getting your child ready for school on a day when it is not in session.

Resolve to stay abreast of what your child is learning about and how he is doing academically. This information is best heard from the kids firsthand, of course, but you know how that goes.

“How was school today?”

“Fine”

“What did you do?”

“Nothing”

“Did you learn anything?”

“Nope”

“Anything new?”

“Not much”

It was likely due to conversations such as this that schools developed Web sites. Take advantage of the school's Web site to check upcoming assignments, tests and grades. Ask for weekly e-mails regarding progress, or simply to see what your child is learning about if you are have a hard time deciphering what “nothing” actually means.

Attend back to school information nights. Even if you are sending your seventh child off to the same teacher at the same school, it is important to show up for a refresher on academic goals, classroom expectations, and to show your child that you are interested in his academics.

Resolve to keep the school year fun. All work and no play makes, of course, for a dull day. Plan fun events around the academic schedule. Make one night per week a relaxing family night that includes a sit-down dinner.

If the school year starts like a recurring nightmare for you, wake up and resolve to make this one different. Try a New Year's resolution in August to kick it off right and then stay the course. Chances are you'll get a gold star for a job well done.

Ann-Marie Berg is a Cedar Rapids mom and a pediatric nurse practitioner. Write to her at features@gazcomm.com