Dallas ISD is encouraging parents and guardians to help students prepare for the school year before the first bell by reestablishing routines, addressing concerns and staying connected with campus staff.
“Parents’ role in preparing their child to come back to school is crucial and critical to their success,” Sherri Vault, Counseling Services coordinator, said. “Most of them have been free and easy all summer, so preparing to get back into routines that physically enable students to get back into a school setting impacts their mental ability to start school.”
The district said it provides support services at both the district and campus levels for students and parents or guardians. Vault said counselors may have different roles by grade level, but the goal is to help students graduate as “competent, successful, and socially and emotionally developed young people.”
Dallas ISD’s back-to-school guidance includes easing first-day jitters by adjusting students’ sleep schedules gradually near the end of summer. The district also noted that campuses host Meet the Teacher night and/or orientation, giving students a chance to become familiar with teachers, counselors and other trusted adults.
Families are encouraged to keep communication open by creating space for children to talk about feelings, fears or anxieties about returning to school. The district also suggested daily affirmations as one way to help students start the day positively.
After school begins, Dallas ISD recommends screen-free downtime so students can recharge and reflect. Parents and guardians can also practice breathing exercises, counting to 10, or prepare a back-to-school kit. Families are encouraged to sign up for school newsletters and stay connected with teachers and counselors throughout the year.
