Welcome to Calvert School!

It is August 1st, and with that date comes thoughts about the start of school!  Calvert will welcome students on Wednesday, August 28th, and anticipation grows as the calendar date gets closer to that first day of classes.   For some children, back to school means reconnecting with school friends, sharing summer stories with a favorite faculty or staff member, and displaying newly developed social skills or leadership skills.  For others, however, it means feeling anxious and overwhelmed.  Students new to Calvert who were excited at the thought of enrolling may now feel some nervousness that it is almost time to go!  Many returning students have become comfortable with the relaxed summer schedule of going to bed on the late side and sleeping in.  Many have a renewed attachment to their parent, and feel stressed at the thought of leaving that parent for an entire day.  Whatever it is, here are some tips to help with the the transition:

1. Ease into a school schedule.  Think about what school bed time and wake up time will be and ease into that over the month.  Remember that elementary school children ideally get ten hours of sleep a night.
2. Do a "drive by!"  Take an hour for an outing to Calvert; drive around the school and the neighborhood, and even park and take a frisbee or a ball to the field between the Lower and Middle Schools.
3. Invite a school friend over.  If your child has not seen school mates over the summer, extend an invitation to one or two of them  to come over, meet at a park, or go out for a meal.  That friend may feel a little anxious too- it helps children to know they are not alone with school worries
4. Read a book together and talk about it.  There are many books available for kids about school anxiety.  See what your library offers.  Such books as, First Day Jitters and Wow!School!, can ease the way.
5. Take care of yourself!  Parents anticipate the start of school as much as their children do.  Keep up your exercise and healthy eating patterns, and those first days will go better than anticipated!  Remember if you show your calm side, children will feel calmer themselves.
6. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think your child could use some additional support at the beginning of school or if you have any questions about his/her feelings or behaviors as you start the school routine.

Students Love Being Greeted by Dr. Trusty Each Morning!