Countdown to Back to School!

July 24, 2018

Dr. Medina’s Annual ‘Back to School 101’ filled with helpful tips and information on Sales Tax-Free days, changes in school calendars, school requirements, and much more… Here are some great facts that will help, us parents in Palm Beach, get ready for the 2018-19 school year. Don’t forget to share to help friends and families!

School begins on Monday, August 13
Want to know when Winter Break is? What about Spring Break? Click here for the Palm Beach School Calendar for 2018-19!
Transportation Questions? Click here
For District Food Service Information, Click here

School Requirements for Physicals & Immunizations

Students entering kindergarten and seventh grade, and new students to Palm Beach County are required, by the school district to provide a physical exam and proof of immunizations. In addition, children entering or attending licensed facilities for child care and child care homes should have received the greatest number of appropriate immunizations as medically indicated in accordance with the recommended immunization schedule for children. For more information, click here.

Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 3-5…

Schools in Palm Beach County start on August 13, 2018 and as expected, this means that we, as parents, are preparing for back to school shopping. The Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2018 kicks off on Friday, August 3rd and will end Sunday August 5th . During this period, back-to-school listed items will be tax free (Florida Sales Tax or local option tax). Generally, clothing that is $60 or less is tax-exempt, and school supplies that cost less than $15 are exempt. For more information and details on Sales Tax Holiday visit the Florida Department of Revenue.

Tips – Some good ideas to encourage Back to School success!

CELEBRATE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Small details like making their favorite breakfast, taking a photo to commemorate the occasion, slipping an encouraging note into your child’s backpack along with his favorite candy bar (yes, they deserve a candy pass), and going out for ice cream after school, will make the first day of school seem like something to celebrate rather than something to dread. Keep it up as a tradition for every good grade or school activity.
School supply lists are individualized to each school and grade. Check your child’s school’s website. ShopSavvy is one application some parents mention they have used in the past. It, “supposedly”, allows you to scan bar-codes and compare prices among different stores. Another good read is the Back-To-School Cheat Sheet, that compares prices for where to get the best deals on school supplies.
Plan ahead for lunch. The School District of Palm Beach County offers In-School Food Service. It is easier to insert money to the meal program and have them eat whatever the school provides but, easiest isn’t always the healthiest. You can track down the school menu ahead and decide which days you should pack your child’s lunch. For a peek at your child’s school food menus click here. Also, always look at your child’s Meal Account lunch history. I remember how shocked I was when I found out my daughter was eating ice-cream and pizza 2-3 times per week. Encourage healthy eating at school!
For walkers and riders: Make sure you practice with your child the route before school starts. Remember, all riders must wear a helmet at all times!!! Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
Discuss the bullying and cyber bullying scenario with your child. Check the “Bullying: It’s Not OK” from the AAP. Discuss other safety Rules for Before and After School.
Back-to-school, especially for little kids, means receiving piles of artwork during the season. Prepare yourself to celebrate each one! Create a designated home gallery for displaying the favorite ones, if not all of them! Include all of your child’s accomplishments.
Here are other safety tips from the AAP – click here