CHRISTEN MANGER, Post Intern
Posted: Sunday, August 2, 2009 8:15 am

Summer is coming to a close and school season is quickly approaching Rutherford County youngsters.

Parents play an important role in ensuring that their children have a safe and enjoyable school experience. From a healthy diet to shopping for school supplies, parents can prepare their children for the upcoming school year.

“Making sure that children are healthy is the first place to start,” said Linda Gilbert, associate professor of the Department of Educational Leadership at MTSU.

“It is vital that children have a well-balanced diet, get enough exercise and receive regular medical care,” Gilbert continued.

According to Gilbert, elementary students need more than nine to 10 hours of sleep a night. Gilbert recommends that a bedtime routine be established – a wind-down period, a consistent bedtime and a calming, relaxing atmosphere.

The morning period before going to school is critical and sets the tone for the entire day.

“Make sure that the clothes are chosen by the child the night before,” said Gilbert. “It’s amazing how many minutes are wasted in the morning looking for that one special shoe that was kicked under the bed.”

Nutrition is also an important part of school preparation for children. Parents need to ensure a proper nutrition at home before children begin their day at school.

“If a child is tired, hungry or distracted, they can’t be expected to learn at school,” Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans said.

Finding out as much information as possible in the weeks before school begins is essential. This information can be found by calling the school or looking on the school’s Web site.

“Parents need to know what forms will have to be filled out and what documents are needed in order to register children,” said Gilbert. “There is nothing worse than taking a day off from work to register a child and then to arrive at the school only to find out that additional information is needed.”

With each Rutherford County School, school supplies and dress codes vary. The RCS supply list includes pencils, crayons, spiral notebooks and backpacks depending upon the child’s grade.

“Parents should check with their schools to get a supply list for purchasing school supplies. The same goes for school clothes and dress code,” Evans said.

The same goes for Murfreesboro City Schools with some using a uniform policy and others a simple dress code.

School safety tips should also be discussed between parents and their children. Bus safety, monitoring Internet use, not talking to strangers and walking in groups are vital safety tips that children need to know.

In addition to their physical well being, parents need to pay attention to the emotional well being of a child.

“Children need to believe they can succeed. Children who feel loved tend to be more confident and are able to make appropriate choices,” Gilbert said.