Back to School, Back 2 Basics - Big Y® World Class Market®

Make the Grade with These Back-to-School Tips
Summer might still be in full swing, but it won’t be long before school bells are ringing and classes are back in session. Help your kids get a great start to the school year by following these mom-tested tips.

Two Weeks Before
VISIT THE SCHOOL. This is especially important if your child is entering kindergarten or attending a new school. Make an appointment ahead of time to see the inside of the building; find your child’s classroom; check out fun places like the lunchroom, library, gymnasium and art room; and of course, spend some time on the playground.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE — EARLY! Don’t wait for the day before school starts to implement new bedtimes and routines. Establish an early bedtime now and set a wake-up time as if school is already in session. Use this period of adjustment to help your child establish a soothing nighttime routine and a relatively calm morning routine that includes getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth and getting ready for the bus.

GEAR UP. Create excitement about the upcoming school year by shopping for school supplies, lunch boxes and new clothes.

One Week Before
PLAN LUNCH MENUS. If your child’s packing his or her lunch, go shopping together for healthy lunch options, such as whole wheat bread, peanut butter, low fat yogurt, string cheese, wheat crackers, and fresh fruits and veggies. Pick up some healthy after-school snacks, too.

DO SOME HOMEWORK. Now’s the time to ensure your child knows important information, such as: his homeroom number and teacher’s name; his bus number and bus driver’s name; his locker number and combination; and your family’s street address and phone number.

The Day Before
PACK UP. Make sure your child’s backpack contains all the school supplies he or she needs for the first day of classes and have it ready by the door.

MAKE LUNCH. Prepare sandwiches and place crackers, veggies, fruit and other snack items into containers. The next day, all you need to do is add refrigerated items like milk or cheese.

CHOOSE AN OUTFIT. Check the forecast and help your child select appropriate attire.

CHECK YOUR CAMERAS. Charge your video camera battery and make sure you have film or disk space. Get your digital camera ready to go, too.

4 The First Day!
START THE DAY OUT RIGHT. Kids need plenty of fuel to get through a full day of activity, so start them out with a nutritious breakfast of eggs, whole wheat toast, high-fiber cereal or oatmeal, and fresh fruit. If mornings are too rushed, see if your school offers a breakfast program.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT. Choose a special spot for photos — in front of a tree or on the porch steps — and take a new shot at the start of each school year.

END THE DAY ON A GOOD NOTE. Have a special snack waiting when your child gets off the bus. Plan a family dinner and ask your kids what they liked best and least about their day. Then help them gear up for the next day.

Between homework, sports practice and extracurricular activities, who has time to cook? Thanks to these fast and easy recipes, dinner will come together in a snap. And the best part: Each dish is easily made using 10 ingredients or less and can be ready in 1 hour!

Lasagna Roll-Ups
Penne Pasta with Sausage and Tomatoes