Insights: Starting a New School Year and Returning to Buildings

Students should be returning to a mostly normal school year in the fall after the long disruption of the pandemic. 

Most districts should be able to offer standard school operations. This is great news, but students may need a transition plan to help them ease back into a regular school program. The plan should also help the youngest students, who will be learning a daily in-person classroom routine without restrictions for the first time.

Know what to expect

A new school year is always a source of anxiety for some students. The current challenges amplify the stress that can affect students, parents and school staff. 

Students should understand what their school experience will be like when school resumes. Knowing what to expect can relieve the worry about the unknowns of the new school year and create a calmer school environment. 

Parents can watch for updates and information via normal parent communication channels and share relevant information with their children, including: 

•	School schedules and calendars
•	School meals
•	Buses and bus routes
•	Special programs and activities
•	After-school care
•	Open houses and start-of-school events
•	Health updates

Plan ahead

Start-of-school jitters are normal in any year, and COVID has contributed to increased anxiety. These expert tips can help ease anxiety:

•	Talk to your child. Check in frequently and validate their emotions by assuring them that their emotions and frustrations are understandable.
•	Remind them to focus on the things they can control. These action items are: following health protocols, being ready to learn, and having school supplies and homework ready for the school day.
•	Be sure they get enough sleep and eat healthy food.
•	Discuss what you know about the year. Share the updates from the district with your child. 
•	Visit the school and try to meet the teacher. Take a tour if they are available. Otherwise, drive your child by the building. Reach out to the teacher via email. Attend any scheduled virtual introductory meetings.
•	Encourage your child. Give them regular positive feedback. Consider slipping an encouraging note in their backpack or lunchboxes. 

Kids should not stress about the “COVID slide”

A new worry comes with this school year: the COVID slide, an expected slip in academic progress because of the abrupt and prolonged disruption to normal learning. 

Educators and parents should be aware of the need for students to catch up academically, but students should not add it to their list of worries. Too much focus on instructional loss will worsen anxiety for students who are already stressed. Instead, teachers will have plans to collaborate with parents to help students reach individual or grade-level learning goals. 

Overemphasizing school success can be counterproductive and actually undermine the student’s successful school performance. Students should instead plan for a successful year, make adjustments as needed, and then follow the plan. 

The school success plan should address individual student needs. It could include goals for sleep, snacks, homework time, a dedicated study space, social and leisure time, backpack organization, homework reminders, calendar systems, and teacher communication strategies. 

Watch for signs of anxiety

There is a greater focus on anxiety in students this year. Educators and mental health experts are warning parents about higher rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness. This is understandable. Kids have been affected by changes to routines and general feelings of uncertainty. 

According to Children’s Health, the signs of anxiety include changes to mood and behavior, including:
•	Increased defiance or irritability
•	Disturbances in sleep
•	Loss of appetite
•	Lack of concentration
•	Less energy
•	Physical symptoms like nausea, muscle tension or dizziness
•	Refusal to go to school
•	Sadness or crying
www.childrens.com/health-wellness/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid-19

These symptoms are more serious than mere back-to-school worries. Anxiety is a mental health issue that can make normal functioning difficult, but it is treatable. Your school counselor may be able to help if you have questions. You should also seek help for your child from a mental health professional. Ask your family physician for guidance.