Back to School Guide
Dear Parents and Guardians of SVUSD Students,
As we gear up for another school year, it's natural for both you and your children to feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. Amidst the flurry of preparations and last-minute details, we understand that the transition back to school can be both thrilling and a tad nerve-wracking.
To assist you during this busy time, we've put together some helpful tips aimed at fostering organization, establishing routines, and ensuring our students thrive in their academic journey.
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Make the unknown environment more familiar:
To help your children feel more comfortable with their new school environment, join us for Open House/Meet the Teacher Night on July 29th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at our elementary schools. Take a tour to explore our wonderful facilities, let your child see their new classroom, and meet the teachers. You can also learn about bus schedules and meet our staff. This tour will help make the unknown environment more familiar and ease your child's transition.
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Utilize a Calendar:
Help your children stay on track for the start of school by using a calendar. Displaying a calendar in their room allows them to visually grasp the countdown to the first day back, which is Wednesday, July 31st (an early release day). Encourage them to mark off each passing day with a colorful pen until the new school year begins. Additionally, don't forget to mark July 29th for SVUSD's Open House/Meet the Teacher event from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm as a special occasion on the calendar. We are and we are looking forward to seeing you and your student! Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is also crucial for ensuring they're well-rested and prepared for learning each morning.
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Stay connected with teachers:
Figure out ways to be involved in the classroom this school year by touching base with teachers. Be early to address any issues your child may have and share the success. At SVUSD, we aim to connect with all stakeholders, which is why we created the SVUSD App. Download the app to access everything at your fingertips, including documents, events, the staff directory, alerts, news, and ROOMS Communications. It's your direct communication tool with your child's teacher—everything SVUSD in your pocket.
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Helpful mealtime hints for school-age children:
Prepare lunches and breakfast: Studies show that students who have breakfast function better at school and have more energy. Ask your children in advance about healthy foods they like to take to school. Perhaps they have favorite fruits or vegetables you can pack along with a healthy sandwich.
Eat with us! Our Partner SFE's goal is to provide healthy, nutritious meals to your children in a loving educational environment so that they are able to develop a healthy eating lifestyle that will carry on throughout their adult life. Visit our Child Nutrition and Food Service page for more information
Need some assistance? Apply for free and reduced-price healthy breakfasts and lunches. Did you know that applications for these nutritious meals not only help your family but also affect funding for our schools, particularly for reading programs and Title One funding?
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Health Information:
Ensure your students have received all required immunizations as mandated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Have you completed the necessary forms, such as emergency contact and health information forms? Inform the school nurse and teachers about any medical conditions your child has that may need to be managed during the school day. For more details, visit our Nurse's Office page to find all the needed information and requirements.
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Transportation and Safety:
If your student is riding the bus, do you know where the bus stop is and what time they'll be picked up and dropped off? Are you familiar with the school's designated drop-off and pick-up area? Visit our transportation page for all the relevant information and needed forms. We are excited to share that our transportation department is getting ready to introduce the MY RIDE K12 app this school year, allowing families to track the bus along its route. More information soon!