08.22.25 - Community Newsletter

As summer slowly fades away, the future awaits inside all of the Brunswick School Department buildings. From PreK students beginning their journey to our high school seniors entering the homestretch, the start of a school year brings dreams, hope, and excitement as well as some stress for students and families alike.

As every parent knows, returning to the school routine can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help with the annual fall transition.

Set a consistent bedtime

A good night’s sleep goes a long way in keeping students engaged and learning. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says, “adequate sleep is essential to feeling awake and alert, maintaining good health and working at peak performance.” Begin adjusting your student’s sleep schedule a week or so before school begins so the first-day alarm won’t be so jarring. Shutting off electronic devices well before bed also promotes good sleep.

Calm their nerves

First-day jitters have been around since the days of the one-room schoolhouse. If your child is nervous about a new school or grade, stop by and walk around the grounds, and ask the Principal if you can get a tour. Remind them of the fun ahead, the old friends they’ll see, and the new ones they’ll make. If they’ll be traveling on foot, walk the route with them. If by bus, go over the pick-up process and bus rules (and remind them that they’ll appreciate the bus on rainy days!). You may also have neighborhood children who would like to walk or ride the bus with your student.

Establish a dedicated study location

Like sleep, students benefit from a structured study routine, particularly those who may face homework for the first time. It helps to identify a space where they will study, whether it's at a parent’s home office, a desk in the student’s bedroom, or a section of the family room. Let them know it’s their spot and encourage them to read or do a hobby there now. And although every student is different, we recommend turning off television and electronic distractions during homework time.

Limit screen time

As children grow, their relationship with technology changes—but the need for guidance remains the same. For preadolescents, educational TV and apps can support learning if chosen wisely, but offline experiences are equally vital. Encourage daily unplugged, unstructured play to spark creativity and strengthen social skills, keep devices out of bedrooms at night, and end all screen time at least an hour before bed. For teenagers, social media can provide access to new ideas, current events, and supportive communities, but constant use—reported by more than a third of teens—can have negative effects. Monitor their online activity, encourage balance, and help them develop healthy screen habits so technology becomes a tool for growth rather than a distraction.

Take an active interest in their work

Let your student know that you’re available if they have questions or want to talk through a challenging assignment. It’s critical that students do the work, so while supporting them through the process is beneficial (“Let’s look it up together”), simply telling them the answer or methodology is harmful.

Finally, please know that our teachers and staff are a resource for you. And like you, we want them to enjoy a fun and successful academic career. So, please call with questions or concerns, or even to check in and see how your child is doing.

The back-to-school road can bring a few bumps, but with a bit of planning and some good communication, your student will quickly settle into a routine and be ready for the fun and challenges that the 2025 – 2026 school year brings.