Question: I remember that over the years you have often written columns about all the things that children and families should do before the school year ends. I want to end this year smoothly. I'd appreciate your suggestions. -- Ending the School Year Well
Answer: It definitely makes life easier for your children and the entire family if you take the time now to tie up all the loose ends necessary to ending the school year successfully. In this way, the next school year can begin without having to do tasks related to the previous year. The following tasks need to be completed before the last day of school:
Make sure that you have talked with your children's teachers about any special concerns that need to be addressed during the summer. For example, not working on grade level in any subject requires some type of intervention during the summer.
Encourage your children to clean out all bookbags and lockers, search everywhere -- from under the bed to in the car and the lost and found -- for items that belong to the school, such as rented textbooks and library books, and return them. In this tight economy, it doesn't make sense to pay for something that can be returned. Stray items should be returned to their owners or the school lost and found.
If it is possible and you want to check out textbooks that your children used last year or will be using next year, now is the time to do so. It is especially helpful to go back and review work in areas where your children had problems.
Find out the dates of any special programs that the school will be offering during the summer. Some elementary schools have weekly library programs as well as sports programs.
Sign up for remedial summer programs, if needed, or enrichment programs, if offered.
Plans for special-needs students with IEPs for the next school year must be in place.
Documents need to be secured if children are going to be transferring to another school.
Finalize enrollment details of any special classes that your children will be in during the next school year, such as gifted and talented classes.
All library books and textbooks need to be returned, and any fines should be paid.
All projects that students want to keep need to be taken home, as well as sports equipment, musical instruments and personal possessions used in extracurricular activities.
The phone numbers and email addresses of friends that your children wish to see during the summer should be obtained if they don't already have them.
Find out the dates when extracurricular activities begin at the start or before the start of the next school year.
Make it a point for you and your children to thank teachers who have truly helped them during the school year. A short note will do the job.
Finally, make sure that you planned and enrolled your children in summer activities to give structure to their vacation.