School will seem very strange for children this year, no matter which teaching model your school district has chosen. Whether your district will select in-class and remote learning as a hybrid or in-person only classes, preparation is vital to make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your kids.

Here are some of our tips for making the transition back into the classroom as safe as possible.

Before going back to school:

• Check your children each morning for signs of sickness, such as a fever, sore throat, coughing, or body aches
• If your children have had contact with an individual that has COVID-19 symptoms, they should not go to school
• Make sure your child is up-to-date with all recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine
• Talk to your children about safety measures to take at school, such as:
  • Washing and sanitizing their hands
  • Social distancing from other students when possible
  • Wearing a face mask
  • Avoid sharing class materials with other students
  • Using hand sanitizer

What to pack for your children:

• More than one mask for when they lose one
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• A refillable water bottle to avoid touching water fountains
• Rubber gloves
• Headphones to avoid touching their schools' headphones
• A tablet or laptop to avoid touching their schools' mouse and keyboard
• Disinfecting wipes to clean their desk in a classroom

No matter which teaching model is chosen by your community, the school year is going to be challenging. Take the time to speak with your children so you can make sure they understand the pandemic and discuss any concerns. Remember, this is a first for everyone and mistakes will happen. Take a deep breath, regroup, and know that we are all facing this together.