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by Sarah Rowland, JCC Children & Family Coordinator
We are more than halfway through the summer camp season, which means it’s time to begin thinking about a new school year. There will be earlier bed times, earlier alarm clocks and backpacks filled with pencils and folders instead of swim suits and sunscreen.
I speak with so many people around the JCC, and have found that so many children have started in our Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center and then continue coming to the JCC for Just4Kids, our after school program for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. We have created life-long friendships and an exciting place to be after school. I am going into my 4th year of working at Just4Kids and every kid has taught me and the counselors valuable lessons every day. I love congratulating a 2nd grader who is so proud to show me a good grade they got on a test or a 5th grader who got an A+ on their paper. It is an amazing experience to watch them succeed and to be a part of their day. I know we are doing our job right when the kids hate to be picked up and says, “One more game of gaga, please!”
Although this time of year may make kids and teachers sad to think about back to school, here are some of my favorite and essential back-to-school tips for parents and kids:
Start waking up your kids on their “school day” schedule about three weeks before the school year begins. Get them in the habit of getting up with plenty of time to get ready for school. Avoid first day of school craziness by practicing your morning routine a few days before the first day of school.
Whether it’s the perfect back-to-school outfit for their first day or stocking up on brand new #2 pencils, places like Target have you covered. You can even make it a game to see who can get their supplies first! Don’t feel like shopping in the store? Target now offers online assistance to help you easily locate your child’s school, and get the supplies requested shipped to you or picked up in-store.
When the schedules have been practiced and the back-to-school shopping is done – have fun and get creative! Pinterest is full of unique ideas for fun lunches and after-school snacks. Experimenting with new ways to prepare foods can help even the pickiest of eaters try healthy snack this school year. Utilize Pinterest as a place to get ideas or as inspiration to get your creative juices flowing!
Are you looking for a safe, fun place for your child to go to after-school this year? At the Katz JCC we have a “Best of the Best” after school program for Kindergarten through 8th grade, Just4Kids! We offer great activities like; homework help, swimming, STEM programs, arts & crafts, sports and more so your child will always be engaged after school. We are having fun and being active all while in a safe environment. Our program includes transportation that picks up from select schools in Cherry Hill, Voorhees and Kellman Brown Academy (more stops may be added depending on enrollment).
I hope you found these tips helpful and you’re now motivated to get ready to head back to school in just a few short weeks! To learn more about Just4Kids please contact me at 856-424-4444 x1113 or srowland@jfedsnj.org. Mention this blog post and receive $100 off your 2017-18 tuition!
