Healthy Habits for Great Attendance: Heading Back to School!

Posted Date: 08/20/26 (12:00 PM)

Healthy Habits for Great Attendance: Heading Back to School!

August 20, 2026

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we look forward to welcoming our students back this September, we want to partner with you to ensure your child has a successful, healthy, and happy school year. Starting the year with strong attendance is one of the best ways to set your child up for academic and social success.

Building healthy habits at home during August makes the transition back to the classroom seamless. Here are a few practical routines you can start establishing this month to promote great attendance and well-being.

Reset Sleep Routines

Shift bedtime early. Move bedtimes and wake-up times 10 to 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach school-year timing.
Remove evening screens. Turn off TVs, tablets, and smartphones at least one hour before sleep to ensure deeper rest.
Keep schedules consistent. Maintain the same sleep schedule on weekends to help your child's internal clock adapt permanently.

Fuel the Body

Prioritize morning fuel. Plan simple, nutritious breakfast options that give your child sustained energy for a full morning of learning.
Hydrate with water. Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day to keep focus sharp and prevent headaches or fatigue.
Practice lunch routines. If your child brings lunch, practice packing healthy, easy-to-open meals together this month.

Practice Wellness Habits

Master hand hygiene. Remind your child to wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
Teach germ etiquette. Practice coughing or sneezing into elbows rather than hands to keep the household and classroom healthy.
Check up on care. Schedule any remaining summer pediatric, dental, or vision checkups now to avoid missing school days later.

Build School-Day Excitement

Create a morning launchpad. Designate a specific spot near the door for backpacks, shoes, and jackets to eliminate morning stress and lateness.
Talk up the positives. Discuss upcoming school activities, seeing friends, and meeting new teachers to ease any back-to-school anxiety. Remind your child that feeling nervous or anxious about a new school year is completely normal! Transitioning back to a structured routine, meeting new teachers, facing academic expectations, and adjusting to social pressures trigger stress for many students, and even educators experience mixed feelings and dread before a new term begins. Reach out to your child’s school if you feel they may need support in returning to school!
Map out the routine. Walk or drive the school route together so your child knows exactly what to expect on day one.

Thank you for everything you do to support your child’s health and education. By working together in August, we can ensure our students are present, prepared, and ready to thrive on the very first day of school!