As summer break nears an end, we look ahead to a new school year with excitement and preparation. As a community, we are mindful of transitions and understand the significance of easing back into the school rhythm. Here are some thoughtful ways to help you and your child prepare for the new school year, making the back-to-school week a little lighter.
Stay Connected
Please take a few moments each day to check your email for updates from Alabama Waldorf School. These emails will be arriving to your inbox in the upcoming weeks and contain important information from your class teacher, including supplies and upcoming events. Staying connected through these messages helps ensure a smooth and well-prepared start to the school year.
Submit Extended Day Contract
Each family must submit a new extended day contract each school year. Summer extended day contracts and extended day contracts from last year will not be renewed. Please click the link below and submit a new extended day contract for each child staying after their core program. Extended Day Contract can be found and submitted here.
Review Handbook Updates
Each parent and guardian is responsible for reading and reviewing the updated Parent & Guardian Handbook. The Parent & Guardian Handbook contains valuable information about our school policies, procedures, and expectations, ensuring a collaborative and well-informed community. By reading and understanding the handbook, we help support a positive environment for all our children, fostering the shared values and practices that make our school unique. The Parent & Guardian Handbook can be found here.
Read New Community Pledge
As we prepare for the new school year, it is essential for all parents and guardians to read the new Alabama Waldorf School Community Pledge. This pledge underscores our shared commitment to collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect, aligning with the principles of Waldorf Education. By upholding this pledge, we collectively and actively contribute to the well-being of our community and support the mission of our school. Please take the time to review, clearly understand, and accept parent and guardian roles, responsibilities, and expectations. The new Community Pledge can be found here.
View New School Year Calendar
This calendar includes key dates such as the first and last days of school, holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and special school events. Keeping track of these important dates helps ensure that your family can plan accordingly and participate fully in the life of our school community. Please make sure to review the calendar carefully and mark these dates on your family’s schedule to stay informed and engaged throughout the year. The New School Calendar can be found here.
Prepare for Back-to-School Sessions with Teachers
Our back-to-school sessions are a time to meet with your child’s teacher and connect with fellow parents and guardians. These gatherings provide a nurturing space to ask questions, learn about the upcoming school year curriculum, and connect with new aspects of your child’s education and development. Attending these sessions helps build a strong sense of community, fostering the connections vital to our school experience. You can find these dates on the school calendar.
Embrace the School Year Rhythm
Transitioning from the relaxed days of summer to the school year rhythm can be both joyful and challenging. A gentle reintroduction to a school-like rhythm can help ease this transition. We suggest beginning to set school day bedtimes to ensure restful sleep, providing nourishing foods, and offering encouraging words as the start of school comes near. Establishing regular meal times and periods of quiet activity, such as reading or crafting, can also help your child gradually adjust to the rhythm of the school day.
Gather School Supplies
Your child’s teacher will thoughtfully curate a list of school supplies tailored to their needs and classroom activities. This will be included in a back-to-school email. These lists are designed to support your child’s curriculum and the developmental stages of the children. Involving your child in gathering these supplies can be a wonderful way to build excitement and ownership of their school experience. Look for the detailed supply lists in your emails, including notes on what to and not to bring to school.
We’re excited to embark on another beautiful year at Alabama Waldorf School! By approaching this transition with care and intentionality, we can create a smooth and joyful start to the school year for our children and families.
We eagerly await your children's return and look forward to sharing the adventures of the new school year with you!
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