The Final Countdown!

Look at the calendar, folks, school starts in three or four weeks!
And, NorthShoreInsider wants to help you cover all your bases so here’s a “To Do” list that’ll get you organized, and promises to minimize stress long before the school bell rings!

NOW

With Three Four Weeks To Go...
Work through the Paperwork:

Do it and just get it over with. We’re referring to that stack of papers or the packet of information from the school district you received about a month ago.

There are several critical forms that must be completed depending on your child’s grade so here’s your check list.

Physicals:

Your school district may require a physical on file, including proof of immunizations, prior to the start of the school year.
If you can’t find a blank state form, check your district’s web site.
Also - call your pediatrician NOW to schedule a physical - especially if your child participates in any kind of sports.

Bear in mind, there could be a separate form to complete for that and make sure you take both to your doctor’s office.

Residency Requirements:

Again, depending on your district and your child’s grade, you may be required to complete a packet of residency information before school starts.
Check with your district’s web site for the appropriate information.

NEXT WEEK

Two - Three Weeks To Go...
School Supplies

By now, you have the mile-long school supply list.

So, first step, take a deep breath and relax and remind yourself if you don’t find everything…your child isn’t going to need it on the first day anyway.
Take stock of what was brought home in June, see what can be used again or donated, then make a master list and do some research online.

To save some of your hard earned dollars split your list into several smaller lists with items at the lowest prices on each.
Target and Staples are no-brainers, but are typically out of control busy at this time of year. Think outside of the box!
Here are a few other North Shore Chicago school supply destinations:
Norris Center Bookstore, 1999 Campus Drive – Another college hotspot for supplies, this Northwestern University/Norris Center store will make your teens feel so much older than they really are, and you score serious cool parent points.

The Learning Post, 1817 Waukegan Rd - Located in Glenview, it’s a great resource for all kinds of supplies, especially those hard-to-find ones like specialty flash cards.

Blick Art Materials, 1755 Maple Ave. – If your local Target has run out of the watercolors, try Blick in Evanston! It’s a wonderland for your artsy types.

Beck’s Books, 716 Clark – Another Evanston fave, your high-schooler can get his college groove on shopping here for school supplies. The cool factor is much, much higher!

Backpacks – You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a store selling backpacks this time of year. The places listed above will have them, but if you’re looking for something serious - something that has some kind of ergonomic appeal, you may want to try:

Uncle Dan’s, 621 Central St., Highland Park, and 700 West Church, Evanston – There are two North Shore locations for this very popular (again, lots of cool factor here!) store. Clothes, shoes, Kleen Kanteens, backpacks, lunch boxes, laptop covers, etc. – this is the place to get it.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, 1900 Tower Drive – Located in the heart of the Glen Town Center, there’s a huge selection of backpacks in all shapes and sizes (although if you’re looking for something super-girly, you’re out of luck.)
REI, 888 Willow Rd. – You’ll find this outdoor store at Willow Festival on the corner of Willow and Waukegan in Northbrook, and if you can’t find a backpack here, you’re not trying.

Break Out The Calendar

One - Two Weeks To Go...

Schedules/Routines

Get the kids back on the school year schedule, so don’t wait until the night before the first day of school to try to reinstate their school week bedtime.

And don’t forget about your routine! You may want to consider:

School Lunches

When it comes to packing it up keep in mind:

Your child only has about 15 - 20 minutes to eat: Relax - the five-course meal isn’t necessary. Think quick and healthy.

The Lunch Time Tao Of The Mini-Muffin: Mini-muffins are about the right size of something your child will be able to eat - especially in elementary school.

Pull out a mini-muffin tin and use the spaces to fill with and wrap up what it is you want to send - pre-cut carrots, granola, fruit snacks, raisins, hummus, cheese chunks, etc.

Sandwiches don’t have to be adult-sized: Smaller deli buns are a great size for kids to handle, as are miniature tortillas made into wraps, or even pita bread.
Keep it cold: You can always freeze juice boxes for instant cold packs in the lunchbox if you can’t locate your gel pack or it “accidentally” gets thrown away at school.

The Day Before...

Make sure your camera battery isn’t worn down from summer use - capture that first day!

Be patient as your child goes through 15 different iterations of that all-important “First Day of School” outfit - remember, you were that age once. Lay it out and make sure you’ve got all the accessories in place and ready to go.

Make sure the backpack is set by the door, with the first batch of supplies stowed in place.

Set the alarm!

And give yourself a pat on the back for another great summer - you did it!

Kelly Konrad

The Final Countdown!

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