The upcoming 2020-21 school year may look very different for Marietta families.
Families in Marietta, Georgia are still coping with the drastic changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s plenty of hope and positivity on the horizon.
After a rough end to the second semester of the 2019-20 school year, parents and kids alike will be excited to know that Marietta city schools will be reopening for the 2020-21 academic year. This step towards getting back to normalcy is significant, but going back to school will still be different compared to previous years.
Help your family transition to a new and unique school year with these 7 helpful tips.
1. Review your school district’s reopening plan and what safety protocols will be instated.
As of July 2, 2020, the Marietta City Schools’ Board of Education has published their official reopening plan for the 2020-21 school year. In this plan, you’ll find links to Student Safety Protocol documents for Early Learning, K-5, 6-8, and high school.
These documents include information about general safety protocols, DPH guidelines for self-quarantine, and a review of information on the use of masks and the need for temperature checks. You’ll also learn what changes are being made in the classroom and within the school.
Set aside some time to read over the documents that apply to your kids’ grade levels. If you’re confused or concerned about anything, you’re encouraged to call the principal of the school in question.
2. Consider the learning options available for your kids, including the pros and cons of in-person vs virtual learning.
Marietta schools will be offering both in-person or virtual learning for students in kindergarten through to high school. In-class learning will resume as normal, but you will need to submit registration for virtual learning by July 8.
Classroom and virtual learning both have a plethora of pros and cons. It really comes down to what works best for your family and your kids. Take the time to think about the advantages and disadvantages of these two options. Ask your kids for their opinion on what they prefer.
3. Call a family meeting to discuss what changes may be in effect for your kids if they return to the classroom.
When kids discover that they’re returning to school most will be thinking about the social aspect of things rather than what changes they’ll need to adjust to. After you’ve reviewed the safety protocols for their school, call a family meeting, and discuss what you’ve read with them.
Go over the new classroom protocols including meals being eaten in the classroom, what will happen during breaks or recess, and the importance of social distancing, handwashing, and the use of hand sanitizer. Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts.
4. For kids who will continue virtual learning, think about what went well last school year and how you can improve in the new year.
Many parents and kids enjoy the virtual learning atmosphere and will choose to continue this method in the new school year. To make this year even better than the last, take the time to reflect on your kids’ experiences with home-based learning.
Think about what went really well, what didn’t go so well, and what you can do to improve the situation. For example, maybe studying at the dining room table wasn’t the best situation. Before school starts this year you can remodel a space in your home to serve as a dedicated ‘classroom’.
5. Make time in your kids’ summer schedules to continue studying and reading on a daily basis.
It’s never too late to ease your kids into a learning mindset after some summer fun. Incorporating study and reading sessions into their daily routine keeps them engaged and will help prepare them for returning to school.
Using online learning resources can be really fun, especially if the program incorporates games like ABCMouse does. Older kids can also review their textbooks, assignments, and tests from last year to help them evaluate where they can improve their skills.
6. Hiring an in-person or remote tutor can help kids catch up on subjects they’ve fallen behind on.
If you’re noticing that your kids are really struggling to recall subjects learned last year or they’ve shared their worries about being behind academically, consider hiring a private tutor to help them catch up.
Tutors can be found in-person, but don’t forget about remote tutors as well. One-on-one virtual tutoring is just as effective as in-person tutoring and allows your kids to test out different tutors to see which person really clicks with their learning style.
7. Schedule any necessary healthcare appointments before the start of the new school year.
Your kids’ health is even more important as they begin to return to school and reunite with friends, teachers, and staff.
Before school starts schedule any preventive care appointments your child might need. An annual checkup is highly recommended and is a great opportunity to ask their doctor questions about how you can help keep their immune system healthy and strong. An optometry appointment should also be booked whether or not your child wears glasses or contacts.
And don’t forget about the dentist!
Book your kids’ biannual dental checkups and professional cleanings with Dr. Wohlers today.
When you’re ready to book your kids’ dental appointments, just give our office a call or fill out our online request form. Don’t forget to schedule your own checkup with Dr. Wohlers if it’s been over six months since your last visit. We’ll even do our best to schedule your family’s appointments all on the same day.
