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Wellness Corner: Tips to maintain a healthy school schedule
August 2017
By: Leslie Merrill & Joanna Knight
We understand that coming back to school can be a difficult transition for some students. With that said, here are a few tips to help smooth the transition back into the school year and to maintain a healthy schedule as the year progresses. They are also great tips to keep in mind as adults.
- Sleep- Try to have your student obtain 9-11 hours of sleep (depending on age). Remember to limit screen time and caffeine before bed and try to keep a set bedtime and wake time every day, IE: 8pm and 6:30am. sleepfoundation.org
- Food- Ensure your student starts the day off right by eating a balanced breakfast at home or make sure they get to school in time for school breakfast (if offered). Divya Syam, school nurse, states that “eating breakfast also boosts your immune system!”
- Medical- Keep up on your students Well Check appointments. The beginning of the school year tends to bring sickness. If your student has a fever or has other flu-like symptoms, keep them home until they have been symptom free for least 24 hours. Ensure your student takes all their medications as prescribed, and if medication is needed during school hours, please see the front office to fill out the correct form. We need a new medication form each school year.
- Organization -Set up a designated quiet space in the home for your student to do schoolwork. Try to keep a routine regarding meals, homework, sleep and family time. Sarah David, elementary intervention teacher, explains that “learning how to stay organized can be tough for some students. Try to reinforce the habits they are being taught in the classroom at home as well.”
- Balance - It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of school, sports and socializing with friends, especially in the first few months of school. To stay balanced, it is important to utilize your support system, prioritize responsibilities, set realistic goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle (listed above in numbers 1, 2 & 3). Try to balance your time wisely by scheduling in down time for yourself and make sure to schedule in family time as well.