The new school year starts on Tuesday Sept. 4. Here are some tips on a variety of topics to help parents and students prepare.

French, Chinese and Punjabi translations of these tips are available at: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/education/factsheets/factsheet-back-to-school-tips.html

Tips to Keep Students Safe

The following tips can help keep students safe as they head back to school.

This year, the government of B.C. launched ERASE Bullying (Expect Respect and A Safe Education), a strategy to help parents intervene on behalf of, and support, their children. If you notice any of the following warning signs, encourage your child to speak to you, or another trusted adult.

Signs your child could be a victim of bullying:

• Comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
• Has unexplained injuries
• Complains frequently of headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick
• Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
• Has changes in eating habits
• Is afraid of going to school or other activities with peers
• Loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school
• Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious or depressed when they come home
• Suddenly has fewer friends

Signs your child could be bullying others:

• Gets into physical or verbal fights with others
• Frequently gets sent to the principal's office or detention
• Has extra money or new belongings that cannot be explained
• Is quick to blame others
• Has friends who bully others
• Needs to win or be the best at everything

In addition to knowing the signs of bullying, here are some general safety tips for your children:

• Ensure your children wear appropriate protective gear when playing sports and wear a helmet when riding bikes, scooters or skateboards. Helmets must fit properly and children should learn to secure the chin strap every time they go for a ride.
• Help your children pack their backpacks. Elementary students should not carry more than 10 per cent of their body weight and secondary students should avoid exceeding 15 per cent of their weight. For example, if your child is 80 pounds, he shouldn't carry more than eight pounds (the equivalent of a pair of shoes, a snack, a drink and two to three textbooks).

Parents of Primary Students:

• Practise a safe route to and from school with your children.
• Join an existing Walking School Bus or Bicycle Train, or start your own with other parents in your neighbourhood. Learn more at Healthy Schools BC: hastebc.org/resources/walking-school-busbicycletrain
• Identify safe places along the route, such as a friend's house or a neighbourhood centre, where your children can go if they don't feel safe.
• Discuss how to safely interact with strangers: safekidsbc.ca/parent_street_proofing.htm
• Teach your children traffic safety, such as how to cross the street, board the school bus and what to do and who to contact in the event of a natural disaster.
• If your child has food allergies, inform the school principal so an updated emergency plan can be created.

Parents of Intermediate/Middle School Students:

• Review your children's safe route to school at the beginning of each year. Note any changes in safe stops, such as friends moving to or from the neighbourhood.
• Help your children understand safe Internet use and how to protect their privacy.

Parents of Secondary Students:

• Talk to your teenagers about vehicle safety. Encourage them to refuse a ride with someone they feel is an unsafe driver.
• Talk with your teens about important issues, including peer pressure, cyberbullying, sexuality, drugs and alcohol
• Help your teenagers develop a mature and confident attitude. This is the best defence against peer pressure.
• Tell your teenagers about confidential 24/7 help and information available at: kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/Home.aspx or they can discuss concerns with a counsellor at any time on the Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868.

Tips on Nutrition

New research confirms that well-nourished children learn better, behave better and feel better, so nutritious snacks and lunches are important.

A Healthy Breakfast:

• A good breakfast is the best way to start the day. After going without food for 8 to 12 hours during a night's sleep, your child's brain needs energy from food to concentrate and remember lessons. Breakfast also stimulates metabolism, which helps your child burn a normal amount of calories in order to maintain a healthy weight.
• Try to include three of the four food groups in your child's breakfast (Vegetables and Fruit, Grain Products, Milk and Alternatives and Meat and Alternatives) from Canada's Food Guide: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php

Here are some examples:

• An egg, a slice of whole grain toast, and sliced tomatoes.
• Whole grain toast with peanut butter and a sliced banana.
• Yogurt, granola and fruit.
• Breakfast smoothie made with yogurt or an alternative, and your favourite frozen fruit.

Healthy Snacks:

A nutritious snack between meals helps children focus in the classroom and provides energy for break times.

Here are some examples:

• Yogurt with fresh fruit.
• Sliced apple with cheese.
• Carrots with hummus or bean dip.
• Hardboiled egg with sliced cucumber.
• A small, homemade bran muffin with orange wedges.

Healthy Lunches:

Lunch is a great time for children to connect with their peers over food and fuel up for the afternoon.

Here are some suggestions to make nutritious lunches your kids will like:

• Sandwiches on whole grain bread or wraps with fillings like curried chicken salad, avocado and hummus or tuna salad with radish and celery.
• Shake up your salads with taco salad, marinated pasta salad or spinach salad. Add cheese or leftover meat (or meat alternatives), nuts, seeds and/or veggies.
• Homemade chilli or a hearty soup in a thermos, alongside a whole wheat bun.
• Leftovers like quiche, chicken or homemade pizza that can be eaten cold.
• Add sliced veggies or fruit and include 250 ml of milk or a fortified milk alternative, such as a soy beverage.

Tips for Preparing Snacks and Lunches:

• Plan ahead. Pack lunches the night before to make mornings less hectic.
• Wash and chop plenty of fruit and vegetables to store in the fridge to save time. Sprinkle lemon juice over cut fruit and vegetables to stop them from turning brown.
• You can reduce sodium intake by using whole foods instead of pre-packaged snack foods.
• Package foods separately to keep them fresher.
• Leftovers are an excellent lunch idea for older children who have access to a microwave.
• Easy to eat foods work best for younger children.
• Send your children to school with a refillable water bottle to keep them well hydrated throughout the day.
• Keep hot items hot and cold items cold by using insulated lunch bags/boxes with frozen packs or thermos containers.
• Remember to clean your child's lunch box regularly to avoid the possibility of food contamination.

For more information, visit these websites:

healthyfamiliesbc.ca/

healthyschoolsbc.ca/

Tips to Improve Studying and Literacy

As parents and students prepare for the start of school on Sept. 4, the following reading and studying tips can help students achieve success and get the most out of their study time.

• Set up a daily routine for homework completion and help children prioritize tasks.
• Keep an assignment calendar in a central place for quick reference of due dates, exams and how they fit with other activities.
• Create a space where your children can concentrate and complete assignments away from distractions like television, the Internet and game consoles. Make sure you provide adequate lighting and supplies.
• Ensure homework is put in a backpack or notebook as soon as it is completed so your children take it back to school with them.
• Provide guidance on safe and effective use of the Internet and set age-appropriate filters.
• Set an example - let your children see you read.

Parents of Preschool Children:

• If your children resist reading, do not force them as this may discourage them from reading. Research shows that children embrace reading at a variety of ages and still perform well in school.

Parents of Primary Students:

• Read to your children and encourage them to chime in with familiar words and phrases.
• Encourage your children to read aloud and help them look up words they don't know.
• Talk to your children about what they read to help with their reading comprehension.
• Surround your children with a variety of reading material, including books, magazines and comics.
• Take your children to the library, introduce them to the librarian and help them get a library card. Then make trips to the library a weekly family outing.

Parents of Intermediate/Middle School Students:

• Let your children read age-appropriate comic books and a variety of novels in their spare time. This will encourages positive reading habits and can play a role in improving literacy.
• Offer help and answer questions, but do not complete your children's homework for them.
• Inspire creativity by encouraging your children to write stories, poetry and songs, and then share them with you.

Parents of Secondary Students:

• Encourage your teenagers to read over class notes each night and highlight important information so they retain it longer.
• Make sure your children take regular breaks to ease eye, neck and brain fatigue while studying. This will help them be more productive and improve reading retention.
• Encourage your children to research subjects that interest them and use resources at local libraries.

For more reading tips, take a look at these websites:

LearnNowBC: http://www.learnnowbc.ca/Parent_Information_Centre/SupportingChildsLearning/Literacy.aspx

Decoda Literacy Solutions:

http://decoda.ca/children-families/

Tips for a Smooth Start

As families across British Columbia prepare for the start of school on Sept. 4, these tips should help make the back-to-school transition a smoother one.

Create a launch pad for items your child needs for school each day-a space for backpacks, lunch kits, shoes, jackets and school assignments. This will help keep your child organized and ease the morning rush.

Parents of Primary Students:

• Confirm start times for the first day of school and the entire first week.
• If your child is attending a new school, check with the school board to ensure your child has the information and identification needed for registration.
• Adjust your children's bedtime and wake-up times a week before the start of school to prepare them for the back-to-school routine.
• Get your children in the habit of choosing their clothing the night before to help the morning begin calmly.
• Find out how your child's teacher likes to communicate with parents and take advantage of contact opportunities.
• You can make an important contribution by volunteering at your child's school. Contact your local board of education or the Parent Advisory Council to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Parents of Intermediate/Middle School Students:

• Talk enthusiastically to your children about the new school year, reminding them of the fun they will have with friends and the exciting new things they will learn.
• Go over schedules with your children to make sure they are registered in the correct classes.
• It is important that children feel comfortable attending a new school. Help your children locate classrooms and key areas such as the gym, library and cafeteria before the start of school.
• Make sure your child knows how to get from one class to another on time.
• Continue to find ways to be involved in the school community as this is a great way to get to know your children's teachers and other parents.

Parents of Secondary Students:

• Discuss courses and programs with your child, their teacher and the principal. Ensure your child will meet graduation requirements.
• If your teenagers are starting at a new school, encourage them to arrange a visit to locate classrooms, the gym, cafeteria and library so they will feel more comfortable on their first day.
• Ask your teenagers to review their schedules and make an appointment with a school counsellor if they are concerned about possible conflicts or mistakes.
• Post your child's schedule of assignments in a central place and include dates of exams and other activities.

Tips to Help the Environment

As families throughout British Columbia prepare for the start of school, the following tips can help make this a greener school year for everyone.

• Buy school supplies that are reusable or have recyclable packaging.
• Reuse school supplies from the previous school year.
• Consider purchasing a reusable water bottle for your child to take to school.
• Help your children take part in an existing green team at school or encourage them to start one. For more information, see: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/greenschools/pdfs/sustbestpractices.pdf
• Clean packaging such as waxed paper, plastic bags and tinfoil can be used several times.
• Send lunches in a reusable container and include a small thermos of cold milk or juice instead of a pre-packaged drink to reduce unnecessary packaging.
• Walk or cycle with your children to school if possible. Encourage your children to take public transit to school. Look into travel alternatives such as a car sharing co-operative or a neighbourhood carpool. For more information, visit: http://hastebc.org/
• Join or co-ordinate a Walking School Bus or Bicycle Train to help your children get to school safely with adult supervision. Find out more at:http://healthyschoolsbc.ca/program/296/walking-school-bus-and-bicycle-train-program 
• If you must drive children to school, combine the drive with other errands or work.

Tips on Parent Involvement

With the new school year starting on Sept. 4, here are ways parents can support their child's education:

Get to know your child's teacher by:

• Attending parent/teacher conferences and asking how your child is doing.
• Telling the teacher about your child's special needs, interests or challenges.
• Finding out if the teacher communicates by telephone, email, website, or notes home.

Work with teachers and your child to create a Personalized Learning plan.

Here are some suggestions:

• Help your child select courses that will capture their imagination and passion as well as challenge them.
• Support your child's use of technology to connect with worldwide information and learning opportunities.
• Encourage participation in extra-curricular activities that promote innovation, creativity, collaboration and social responsibility.
• Use community resources such as public libraries, parks and recreation centres to enhance learning and healthy activity.

Here are ways to get more involved with your child's school.

• Volunteer to be a guest speaker.
• Volunteer to help with field trips or special events such as concerts and school fairs.
• Help with a sports team by assisting with coaching or equipment.
• Use your creative skills (sewing, set-making, musical accompaniment) to help with choir or a theatre production.
• Help with transportation or chaperone events.
• Take part in service projects and fundraisers like food bank and clothing drives, garage sales, bake sales and bottle drives.
• If you speak another language, offer to translate at Parent Advisory Council meetings, so parents from your cultural community can participate even if they aren't confident in English or French yet.
• Attend a school event with your children and help cheer on their school.

Through B.C.'s Education Plan, the B.C. government is encouraging Personalized Learning. Find out more at: BC Education Plan

Tips for Healthy, Active Students

Healthy, active students do better in school. As your family prepares for the new school year, here are some tips to help you encourage healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

• Establish the habit of eating a nutritious breakfast every day.
• Notify the school if your child has food allergies so an updated emergency plan can be created for your child.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and medical checkups as necessary.
• Provide water throughout the day and offer plain milk with meals or snacks. Limit drinks high in sugar like pop, fruit drinks and sport drinks.
• Encourage your children to get active through sports and other recreational activities.
• Encourage outdoor play. It helps children connect with the natural world, develop motor skills and physical endurance. Sunlight is the most important source of Vitamin D, which helps support the immune system and plays a vital role in developing strong bones.
• Set a good example by making physical activity an important part of your life. Involve the whole family in fitness activities. Go for bike rides, explore local hiking trails, play outdoor games, or head to your local recreation centre for family swims or skates.

Parents of Primary Students:

• Make sure kids have lots of free time to play outside. Take turns supervising kids at play in the park or on the block with other parents and caregivers.
• Join or co-ordinate a Walking School Bus or Bicycle Train to help your children get to school safely with adult supervision. Check out Healthy Schools BC to find out more on the Walking School Bus or Bicycle Train Program at:

http://healthyschoolsbc.ca/program/296/walking-school-bus-and-bicycle-train-program

Parents of Intermediate/Middle School Students:

• Encourage your children to walk, cycle, rollerblade or skateboard to school whenever possible. Have safety equipment (helmets, elbow pads, reflective gear, etc.) ready to go the night before.
• Limit the time your children spend looking at TV, video games, computers and personal electronic devices at home. Encourage regular breaks (every 30 minutes) and try to keep screen time under two-hours per day.

Parents of Secondary Students:

• Teach your children how to buy, prepare and enjoy healthy meals. If they show an interest, encourage them to cook a meal for the whole family.
• Ensure your teens get plenty of rest so they are alert and ready to learn at school (on average, teenagers need nine hours of sleep per night). You can help your child get a good night's sleep by reducing or eliminating computer use in their bedrooms.
• Support your child's participation in after-school sports or non-competitive activities such as rock climbing, yoga or recreational dance. Talk about what interests them, while encouraging them to be flexible and try different things.
• For other ways to help you teens keep active, check out programs and classes at community fitness and recreation centres.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963