Seeking "First Day of School" Advice/Suggestions

Good Morning, Y.. All of your concerns are very valid. I've been through this 2 times before and am now sending my 3rd child to Kindergarten this year. I very much understand what you're going through. I will try my best to answer your questions. Please let me know what school she's going to be attending.

Extended day -- yes it applies to the every other Weds.

Breaks -- I just pay for the week that they are out of school at our normal sitter (for my youngest who is not school aged).

School supplies -- I just buy the bare minimum before school and then really go shopping after the back to school rush. In mid Sept is when a lot of the school supplies will decrease in price.

I'm sorry to hear about your single mom status, but if it's for the best, then I'm all for it. I'm in the same situation (regarding the divorce) -- only I have 4 kiddos.

Good luck! PM me if you need to!

One of the reasons that you may not have heard about orientation is because teachers do not go back until Monday, August 11th. Usually they are in meetings almost all day. You would probably want to get a list of supply needs from your school. I know that sometimes what you think is necessary is not, or in some schools clear backpacks are required.
As a teacher one of the things that would be extremely helpful for your daughter's teacher to know is that your family is going through this transition. Don't be surprised if on the first day your daughter cries like you'll never come back. I was one of those myself. If your daughter's teacher asks you to leave her (even if she's crying) she will adjust. It's usually harder for you (and I also speak from experience here)than her.
As for extended day, there is a fee. It's usually much cheaper than day care. You'll want to ask as soon as you can because enrollment is limited at most schools. Drop off is usually at 7 a.m. and they have to be picked up by 5:55 p.m. Schools are not open during holidays or teacher inservice days. You can go to www.duvalschools.org and print out a calendar that shows the dates that the schools are closed. That might help you to arrange your schedule if that's an option. Unfortunately the days that are holidays and inservice days are days when you have to find other arrangements. Perhaps there are families at church or that you meet from your neighborhood that might be a resource during holidays.
When my boys were in school I often went to Round Robin Consignment shop. I was able to find gently used clothes that were fashionable and at a fraction of the cost. Other teachers at school use to comment on how cute my boys were dressed. They also wanted to know how was I able to afford name brand clothes.
I hope your daughter has an awesome first day.
(and you too!:-) D.

Hi Y.,

Sending your child off to public school for the first time is indeed stressful. More so for parents than the children though. It's symbolic of them growing up and becoming independent which can be a bit scary. I was feeling it too when it was time for my son to go off to kindergarten. My friends and I decided to have an "off to kindergarten" party before school started. The kids decorated pencil cases and we packed back packs with school supples and presented to them at the end of the party. They had a blast and still talk about it now two years later. Of course, the party was more for us moms than anything else.

I found that schools aren't as helpful with information as I expected as well. Larger elementary schools, I think, have a harder time with this. You have to continue to be proactive. Keep calling them until you get the information you need. You won't be the only mom calling and asking the questions you're asking. I'm sure you'll have plenty of company.

As for the clothes, I don't know what you think about ordering online, but it makes it so easy for me. I just ordered a whole wardrobe for my 7 year old in about 20 minutes...couldn't have been easier. Use a retailer you're used to though so you are familiar with their sizing.

Extended day covers the early release days with exception of a day or two (ie., last day of school). I've calculated approx. 45 "0ff" days per year for my son. That's a lot. If you and your ex or your mom can help you, that would be ideal. Otherwise, you'll have to pay to put your daughter in daycare (about $20 per day) on those days. Be sure to factor in the 2-3 weeks before and at the end of summer camps. It's not easy handling kids school schedule, but you learn how to manage with the help of your support system. Good luck!

First thing you need to do is take a deep breathe. Just me it get easier. My girls start 5th and 7th this year. I remember kindergarten like it was yesterday. First extended day does apply for early release days. Most of the schools start taking the kids in at 7:00 am with pick up no later than 6:00. As far as Winter/Spring I can not remember if they have a program or not. You would have to check with the school. Another alternative for after school care, depending on where you live and what school she will be attending, is the city ran programs called Club Rec at the local parks. My kids have been attending since my oldest, now 17, was 8. And I know they have Winter/Spring break care. The cost for the park is free and the kids need to be picked up by 6:00, but, if you are running all you have to do is call and let them know.

But the best advise I can give you is to take a lot of pictures the first day. They do grow up fast.

Good Luck