Copy of The countdown to the first day of school is officially ON!!! 🎉

Good Morning, Parker Community!!! 💙🐋
The countdown to the first day of school is officially ON!!! 🎉
Before those busy school mornings begin, I wanted to share a few simple tips to help make the transition back to school a little smoother for both you and your child.

🎒 A Few Back-to-School Essentials & Tips

🎒 A Backpack They Picked Out Themselves
Ownership goes a long way—especially at drop-off! Let your child help choose their backpack. If you need one, we have plenty at school! Come by Parker before September 2nd and your child can choose one of their very own.
🏷️ Labels for Everything!
Even though we do our best to keep track of all items; if it can be lost, it probably will be! 😊 Please label backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, clothing, and anything else your child brings to school.
💧 A Water Bottle That Can Survive a Few Drops
Choose one that is easy for your child to open and close independently and, of course, one that can handle being dropped a time or two!
🍎 A Lunchbox for Their Snack
We provide breakfast and lunch at Parker, but a lunchbox is a great way to send in your child's small, healthy snack and a drink. Our students LOVE having their own lunchbox—it gives them a sense of ownership and independence!
🌙 Start the Bedtime Routine Early
Don't wait until the night before school to reset your child's schedule. Start shifting bedtime a little earlier about a week before school begins so their body has time to adjust.
We suggest beginning to wind down around 7:30 p.m. and aiming to be in bed by 8:00 p.m.
👟 Comfortable Shoes—Function Over Fashion!
Your child will be busy learning, playing, exploring, and moving throughout the day. Comfortable shoes that are easy for them to manage independently are the way to go!
📚 Read Together Every Night
Make reading part of your bedtime routine! Choose books that make your child excited about stories, learning, and discovering new things. Those special few minutes together can make a BIG difference.
👕 Lay Clothes Out the Night Before
One less morning decision = one less morning struggle! 😊
Even better, let your child help choose their outfit. Giving children opportunities to make small decisions can be incredibly empowering and helps build independence.
👋 Practice Your Goodbyes
Try doing a few short "trial runs" before school starts. Practice saying, "Have a great day at school! I love you!" and then saying goodbye.
When the first day arrives, remember: a short, confident, loving goodbye is usually best. Avoid lingering, even when it is hard. Your confidence helps your child feel confident, too!
💙 Patience & Encouragement—For Them AND For You!
The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. There may be big feelings, tears, tired mornings, and moments that don't go exactly as planned.
Give yourself—and your child—grace. You are both learning a new routine, and we are here to support you every step of the way!

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📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Orientation:
📍 September 1st at 10:00 a.m. at Parker ECC
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, visit the classroom, and receive important information and paperwork before the first day.
🐋 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
🎉 September 2nd!!! 🎉
We cannot WAIT to welcome our Parker Whalers back through our doors!!!
📆 New Bedford Public Schools Calendar:
NBPS School Calendar
I hope these tips help make the transition back to school a little easier and a LOT more exciting!
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening our doors! 💙🐋
I am so excited to begin another incredible year together!
With excitement,
Mrs. Gallant-Bland
Principal
Parker Early Childhood Center
Charting bright futures, one Whaler at a time! 🐋💙