back to school

Colorado Springs Back to School Guide 2023-2024

Where did the summer go! As the days grow shorter and cooler in Colorado Springs, August marks the start for Colorado Springs school. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or embarking on their college journey this period can be both thrilling yet daunting for parents as well as learners alike. To ensure a smooth transition towards academic success we’ve compiled essential tips tailored specifically for families in Colorado Springs. Enjoy this mashup of:
*How to contact your school (most start days are Aug 14-16)
*Best backpacks to withstand kids and weather
*Shoes the kids like
*How to grapple with a reluctant child who doesn’t want to go back to school
*How to support a bright child who may need more academic stim than other kids
And much more!

Get Ready for Changing Weather

The shift from summer to fall can bring about unpredictable weather patterns in Colorado Springs. As such it’s important for parents to ensure their children are equipped with suitable clothing and accessories that will keep them comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at them. Layers of lightweight clothes along with a sturdy backpack and an umbrella should be included among these essentials. With these items on hand your child will remain protected against any sudden changes in temperature or precipitation levels during this transitional period. Don’t let unexpected weather conditions ruin your kids fun time – stay prepared!

Hot 2023-2024 Shoes for Kids & Teens

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘Ÿ
Adidas Superstar πŸŒŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star πŸŒˆπŸ‘Ÿ
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸ‘Ÿ
Vans Old Skool πŸ›ΉπŸ‘Ÿ
Skechers S-Lights Energy Lights πŸ’‘πŸ‘Ÿ
Puma Carson 2 V πŸΎπŸ‘Ÿ
Under Armour Surge 2 πŸ‹οΈβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘Ÿ
Reebok Classic Leather β„οΈπŸ‘Ÿ
ASICS GT-1000 πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈπŸ‘Ÿ

Route Planning and Getting to School On Time

The start of school often brings about congested drop off zones and traffic jams. To avoid those nasty tardy marks, plan ahead by mapping out your route beforehand while leaving room for unexpected delays. Arriving early will help ease any anxiety that comes with starting anew as well as allow ample time to settle into their new environment.

Nutrition and Hydration

For optimal academic performance it is essential that children start their day with a nutritious breakfast. Encourage your child to consume balanced meals in the morning which will provide them with energy and nourishment throughout the school day. Packing healthy snacks along with reusable water bottles ensures hydration levels remain high at all times during class hours. Remember – good food equals better grades!

Get to Know Your School’s Resources

As a parent it is highly possible you aren’t aware of all of the resources available both on campus and online. This includes exploring everything from academic calendars and teacher contact information to extracurricular activities. By staying informed you’ll be better equipped to support their educational journey. Many schools have teacher email directories like this one:

https://www.d11.org/ContactUs allows you to search the Colorado Springs District 11 teachers, counselors, principals and other district employees by name or title.

Creating a Homework Routine

To ensure that your child has an optimal environment for completing homework assignments without interruptions or distractions consider creating a designated space at home. This will help establish consistency in their routine and allow them to complete tasks efficiently while still leaving room for relaxation time with family members. By doing so you’ll be setting up your child for success both academically and personally!

Join Your Community

Colorado Springs is a dynamic community that offers numerous opportunities for parents and students to become involved in their child’s education. Attending back to school nights, parent teacher conferences as well as joining the school’s PTA are all great ways of staying connected with what’s happening at your child’s school while also contributing positively towards its success. These activities not only benefit you but they can have an impact on how much support your child receives throughout their academic journey. So why wait? Get started today!

Open Communication – Encourage It

To ensure your child’s academic success it’s essential to establish an open and supportive relationship with their teachers and school staff. Regularly checking in on progress allows for early intervention if necessary while keeping communication channels wide open enables effective collaboration between parents, educators,and students alike. By working together towards common goals everyone involved can help children reach their full potential both academically and personally.

Preparing for Extracurricular Activities

Encourage your child to explore extracurricular activities that align with their interests and passions. By joining a sports team, school club or music program they can enrich their educational experience while building lasting friendships. These activities provide an opportunity for growth outside of the classroom setting which is essential in shaping well rounded individuals who are prepared for success beyond graduation day. So why not encourage them today?

Mental Health and Well-being

The start of a new academic year can trigger feelings of stress and anxiety in both parents and students alike. To help manage these emotions, openly discuss them with your child while practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or spending time outdoors together engaging in activities that promote mental well being like yoga or gardening for example. Remember to prioritize self care too! By taking proactive steps towards managing our own stress levels we’re better equipped to support those around us during challenging times.

Nike, JanSports, North Face: Choosing a BackPack

As you prepare for the upcoming school year consider investing in one of these highly regarded backpacks:

JanSport backpacks are a popular choice among students due to their sturdy construction and diverse designs. With an array of sizes and colors available these bags offer something for everyone.

How can kids carry so much! Photo courtesy Jansport

North Face backpacks are renowned for their durability and outdoor-inspired designs. With ample space to store school supplies they have earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship. These packs offer reliable performance in any environment making them an excellent choice for those who love adventure!

Now this is a bad a** backpack! Photo courtesy North Face.

For those who prioritize both style and practicality in their backpacks Herschel Supply Co. is an excellent choice. With a selection of designs suitable for all ages this brand offers unparalleled functionality and comfort. Whether you’re looking for something sleek or sporty there’s sure to be a perfect fit among their offerings.

Adidas Featured in the Michael Jordan movie “Air”

For those who prioritize both style and practicality in their backpacks Adidas is a go-to brand. Their collection of sporty yet functional bags often feature the iconic three stripes design that has become synonymous with quality craftsmanship.

Under Armour has made a name for itself by providing athletes and active students with backpacks that are both stylish and functional. With numerous compartments available these bags offer unparalleled organization capabilities making them an excellent choice for anyone who needs to stay organized while on the go.

If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish backpack with Scandinavian roots look no further than the Kanken from Fjallraven. These minimalist bags are lightweight yet durable making them perfect for everyday use or outdoor adventures alike. Plus their wide range of colors ensures that there’s something to suit everyone!

Nike has made a name for itself in the world of athletic gear with its durable and stylish backpacks. Whether you’re looking for something small or large there are plenty of options to choose from that will suit your needs perfectly. With Nike on your side you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are safe and secure wherever life takes you next! Nike was also prominently featured in the movie “AIR” and what I liked was their 10 principles:

Our business is change
We’re on offense. All the time.
Perfect results count β€” not a perfect process. Break the rules: fight the law.
This is as much about battle as about business.
Assume nothing. Make sure people keep their promises. Push yourselves push others. Stretch the possible.
Live off the land.
Your job isn’t done until the job is done.
Dangers Bureaucracy. Personal ambition. Energy takers vs. energy givers. Knowing our weaknesses. Don’t get too many things on the platter.
It won’t be pretty.
If we do the right things we’ll make money damn near automatic.

Those are some of my favorite backpacks. My values:
-durability
-durability
-durability
-price
My kids’ values:
-coolness
-look-feel
-lots of pockets & zippers

Helping Your Kids Overcome Reluctance to Return To School

The start of a new academic year can be daunting for reluctant students who may struggle with feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. However there are several strategies that parents and educators alike can implement to make this transition smoother:

To help your child feel more comfortable about returning to school after a break acknowledge their emotions and fears. Engage in an open conversation where they can express themselves freely without judgment or criticism from you. Assure them that its okay for them to have these feelings by providing empathy and support throughout the process of adjusting back into academic life. By doing so, you’ll be helping build resilience within your child while also fostering trust between parent-child relationships. Remember: acknowledging concerns is key when it comes time for kids going back to school!

Preparing for the first day of school can be overwhelming but taking some extra steps beforehand can make all the difference. Consider visiting your childs new classroom together so they feel more comfortable on their big day! Show them around and introduce them to any teachers who are available – this will help alleviate anxiety about what lies ahead. By doing these things you’ll give your little one a sense of security as they embark upon an exciting chapter in life!

Involving your child in the preparation process for a new school year can be beneficial. Allow them to select their own supplies and backpack while also organizing their study area. This approach will provide them with an opportunity to feel more empowered during this transition period. By taking ownership over these tasks children are better equipped emotionally when facing unfamiliar situations like starting at a new school or meeting new peers.

Establishing a support system is crucial for children’s wellbeing. To facilitate this process before school starts consider arranging playdates or social gatherings with some of your childs classmates. This will help them build friendships and create an environment where they feel supported by their peers. Remember that having strong connections can make all the difference in how kids experience education – so prioritize these relationships early on!

School can be a challenging experience for many students but its also an opportunity to discover new interests and make lasting memories. Discuss with your child some of the positive aspects of attending school such as engaging subjects or extracurricular activities that they may enjoy participating in. You could even share stories from your own time spent at school highlighting all the fun moments you had during those years! By focusing on these positives instead of solely dwelling on academic pressures or social anxieties surrounding school life becomes more manageable for everyone involved.

For students who are struggling with particular subjects it’s important to provide additional support or consider tutoring as a means of boosting their confidence. This can help alleviate any academic concerns they may have.

To help your child achieve success in the upcoming school year, set realistic goals that are both achievable and measurable. Celebrate their progress along the way no matter how small it may seem – every accomplishment deserves recognition!

Encouraging your child with positive reinforcement can be an effective way to motivate them towards success. By acknowledging their efforts and achievements through praise or rewards you’ll help build confidence in themselves as well as inspire continued effort towards future goals. So don’t forget the power of positivity when it comes to supporting young minds!

Maintaining an active role in your child’s academic journey is essential for their success. This can be achieved through attending parent teacher conferences, checking homework assignments and participating in school activities alongside them. By demonstrating genuine interest in their education you show that you care about their future growth as a person.

Promoting a growth mindset is essential for child development. Encourage your little one to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles by teaching them that mistakes are an integral part of learning and seeking help when needed is okay too! This approach will foster resilience in children who can tackle any challenge with confidence knowing they have the tools necessary for success.

If your child’s reluctance persists and begins to negatively impact their well being or academic performance it may be time to seek professional help. Consider reaching out to a school counselor or child psychologist for guidance on how best to address this issue with your child. Remember that seeking support is not only beneficial but necessary in ensuring the overall healthy development of young minds like yours!

Gifted Children – What To Do If Your Child Is Bright

For gifted children returning to school represents an opportunity for growth and discovery. To ensure they get the most out of their educational experience here are some tips:

Inspire a love for learning: Encourage your child’s curiosity and passion for knowledge by providing resources that align with their interests. Explore topics beyond the standard curriculum together, and offer books, documentaries or educational websites as tools to support this endeavor. By doing so you’ll help foster an enduring thirst for lifelong learning in your child.

Collaborate with Educators: Collaborating with educators is crucial in ensuring that your child receives the necessary support and challenges required for their academic journey. Discussing strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences will help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual needs effectively.

Collaborate with your child to establish attainable academic and personal objectives for the school year. These goals will provide motivation and direction throughout their studies.

Gifted children may struggle with feelings of isolation if they don’t find peers who share their interests. Encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs or events where like minded individuals gather together for social interaction and engagement. By doing so you can help foster a sense of belonging within your child while also providing opportunities for personal growth through shared experiences.

As a parent you can help your child develop strong time management skills by emphasizing the importance of balancing academics, extracurriculars and personal time. This will not only reduce stress but also enable them to stay organized throughout their daily routine. By teaching these essential life skills early on in life they’ll be better equipped for success both now and later down the line.

Encourage intellectual growth: Encouraging your child to pursue more advanced or specialized coursework can help keep them engaged and stimulated. Gifted students often thrive when given opportunities for intellectual challenge.

To foster a growth mindset in your child, it is essential to instill the values of perseverance and effort. Teach them that intelligence can be developed through hard work and making mistakes should not discourage their learning journey. By doing so you are helping shape an individual who embraces challenges with openness and determination.

Gifted children often face unique social and emotional obstacles. As a parent or caregiver it is crucial to provide them with an empathetic ear as they navigate through their experiences with peers. Your support can help guide them towards healthy coping mechanisms while also fostering self esteem and resilience in the process. Remember that being present for your child during these moments of growth is one of the most valuable gifts you can give!

Encouraging and supporting your child is important but be mindful of not putting too much pressure on them. Letting kids explore and learn at their own pace can lead to greater success in the long run.

Encourage your child’s growth by recognizing and celebrating their achievements. Even small accomplishments can have a significant impact on building confidence and motivation when reinforced positively. This approach will help them feel valued while fostering an environment of success.

The back to school season marks a significant change for both parents and students alike. However with these tips at hand Colorado Springs families can navigate this period confidently while maintaining an air of excitement. By being prepared, involved and supportive you create the foundation necessary for your child’s academic success in Colorado Springs. With such efforts made towards ensuring their wellbeing during this transitional phase; they are sure to thrive throughout their time spent learning within its borders!