Back to School 2023: Maximize the Upcoming School Year
By Ashley Ferraro
Broward County goes back to school on August 21… that’s right around the corner! Here are a few helpful tips and important things to remember to kick off a great 2023 school year:
Tax-Free Weekend and Other Back-to-School Sales
Take advantage of this year’s tax-exemption holiday, running now through Sunday, August 6. Enjoy tax-free shopping for clothing, electronics, school supplies, and more, both in-store and online.
Many of your favorite stores are also running back-to-school sales during August. Plan ahead and try to snag any deals now before the school year starts. For example, Apple is offering $100-150 gift cards for the purchase of select Mac or iPad products through Monday, October 2.
Health Check-Ups & Immunizations
Before attending school in Broward County (in-person or virtually) each child must provide a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680 form) documenting their immunization status.
To avoid last-minute stress, schedule your child’s yearly physical exam in advance and ensure they are up-to-date with any required immunizations for their next grade. Immunization requirements vary based on age, so be sure to check with your child’s physician or visit www.floridahealth.gov to verify the requirements.
Set Realistic Goals for the New School Year
It’s important to set goals to prepare for a successful school year; goals provide motivation and direction and can boost a child’s self-esteem. Encourage students to set their own goals and provide support where needed. Specific and measurable goals are better than vague ones. For instance, instead of saying “get good grades,” a more effective goal could be “maintain an A average in math by dedicating 30 minutes each day to studying.” Including details will help with planning, tracking progress, and celebrating small wins along the way.
Optimize At-Home Study Environments
The time your child spends studying at home is just as important as time spent in the classroom. A conducive study environment greatly influences a student’s ability to concentrate and learn effectively. Create a dedicated space with minimal distractions, an ergonomic setup, and proper lighting to reduce physical strain and create a supportive environment. For adding proper lighting to your child’s study space, you can go to this website.
Avoid doing homework in bed or keeping devices nearby. Setting effective study habits at a young age will benefit students in college, the workforce, and beyond.
Register for Extracurricular Activities and Sports
The start of the new school year marks the beginning of many youth sports seasons in Parkland and Coral Springs. Be sure to talk to your students about sports and check registration deadlines ASAP. Visit the respective city websites for details on specific programs.
Your student will likely have school-sponsored sports and extracurricular opportunities as well. Keep in mind you may need to sign permission slips. Visit www.browardschools.com and navigate to your child’s school site to find additional information on sports and extracurriculars.