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Health & Fitness

Back to School Basics

This time of year many parents are aching for school to start. The kids need routine. Siblings are at each other’s throats. Yet we’re all also dreading that return to homework and making lunches. Are you and your kids ready for the first day of school? Our tips may help.

The Facts

For registration and details about times and transportation, visit the District 205 website.  District 205 schools start on August 19, 2013.

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Can’t remember the guidelines for physicals, vision exams, and proof of dental visits? Here is who needs what:

  • General physical exams for those entering kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade.
  • Vision exams for those entering kindergarten.
  • Dental exams for those entering kindergarten, 2nd grade and 6th grade.
  • Sports physicals for all school athletes annually.

Our school data links provide information about our community and school system, including data about all the local schools.

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The Stuff

Check your school’s website for school supply lists. For parents who pre-ordered supplies through the PTA, some items are not included in the packages. You may need to purchase items like long-sleeved paint shirts/smocks, gym shoes that can be left at school, audio headsets, and flash drives. Check your lists.

Long-sleeved art smocks can be hard to find. You can find them at My Favorite Toy Store in Elmhurst and Downers Grove and The Chalkboard in Downers Grove.

PE Uniforms for most schools are to be purchased at Viking Awards at 846 N York Rd, Elmhurst. Check your school’s website for details.

The Deals

For gym shoes, get a great deal at the Back-to-School Sale at Fleet Feet for older kids (sizes 1 to 7). 10% off during August.

Before you visit Fleet Feet or any other shoe store, stop by Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic  free shoe sizing with Certified Pedorthist Ryann Jackson. All welcome: patients, friends, community members. No appointments necessary. Best way to prevent injury to your children’s feet! August 13 at 2pm.

While JC Penney is not giving away free haircuts for back-to-school this year, they are offering haircuts for kids for $10 ($14 usual price) for the entire month of August.

Get your daughter a free polish at Sweet & Sassy Oak Brook Promenade with her Sassy Haircut.

Friendly Advice

We all know the basics. We’re supposed to start the kids back on their school-year schedule with bedtimes and wake-up times a good week or two before school starts. We’re supposed to give them a healthy breakfast on their first day of school. We should pack their lunches the night before. But what else can make the first day, week, month a more peaceful experience for the whole family? Here are some tips:

  • Make decisions about school-year media rules before school starts.
  • Plan out and buy ingredients for healthy lunches and snacks so there’s no scrambling at the last minute.
  • For younger kids, check out books from the library about the first day of school. Try The Kissing Hand or Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes or many other great back-to-school books.
  • Go over the routine, schedule and calendar for the first week the weekend before school starts so everyone feels prepared and no one is surprised.
  • Talk about the new school year. What are their biggest fears? What are they most excited about?
  • Organize the homework area. Set them up for success with the right supplies for doing homework as well as for at school.
  • Remind kids about after-school routines like putting away their lunch boxes and washing their hands as well as rules like finishing homework before playing on the electronic devices.
  • Prepare yourself with tips from professionals (including information about managing back-to-school anxiety) and other parents so you and the kids can start the school year off right.

Be sure to follow LW Reedy on Facebook for posts about fun events and news in Elmhurst and surrounding areas throughout the school year. Before you know it, you'll be wishing winter break was here already!

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