A new school year brings new teachers, changing routines, and plenty of excitement. It can also take time for students and families to settle back into the rhythm of school.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Through our Youth Opportunity work, we help create pathways for young people to thrive from early childhood through college and career.
Here are simple ways families can help children start the school year strong.
Make Attendance a Priority
Regular attendance gives children consistent opportunities to learn, build relationships, and develop important skills. Establishing a dependable morning routine and having a plan for challenges such as transportation can make it easier to arrive on time and address issues as they arise. If attendance becomes a concern, contact your child’s school early to ask about available support.
Make Reading an Everyday Habit
Reading doesn’t have to feel like homework. Set aside time each day for books, magazines, comics, or other age-appropriate materials your child enjoys. You can make reading interactive by asking what they think will happen next, talking about favorite characters, or reading a recipe together. Strong reading skills can open doors to learning and future opportunities.
Establish a Routine
Consistent routines can help children arrive at school rested, organized, and ready to learn. Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times, and prepare backpacks, school papers, lunches, and devices the night before. Giving children age-appropriate responsibilities can also help them build independence.
Stay Connected
Families, students, and educators are partners in a child’s success. Learn how your child’s teacher prefers to communicate and ask questions about classroom expectations and progress. Keep conversations going at home, too. Try asking, “What was something new you learned today?” or “What are you looking forward to tomorrow?”
Plan for Expenses
Uniforms, supplies, field trips, and extracurricular activities can add up throughout the year. Ask your school about anticipated expenses, look for community resources and supply drives, and consider creating a budget to prepare for upcoming costs.
Celebrate Progress
Success is about more than perfect grades. Celebrate improved attendance, finishing a challenging book, mastering a new skill, asking for help, or sticking with a difficult assignment. Recognizing effort helps young people build confidence and see learning as a process.
Through United Way’s New Orleans Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and our grant-funded partners, we support early learning, literacy, enrichment, family engagement, and pathways to college and career. Together, we can help young people across Southeast Louisiana learn, grow, and realize their full potential.