When It Comes to Back to School Preparedness, There's No Need to Cram

Back to school season can be stressful, but just like preparing for a tough exam, there are a few things every family can do to get ready for the first day ahead of time. These are just a few of our top tips to ensure that you have a successful start to the school year.

1. New year, new calendar: The first day of school is Thursday, September 5—but then what? All of the important dates you should know for this school year (including closures, parent-teacher conferences, and more) are available in a printable 2024–25 Calendar in multiple languages.
2. Make a (school supplies) list, and check it twice: Make sure you know what your child will need for the school year, and that their supplies are packed and ready to go for day one! Their teacher may send a list of recommended classroom and homework supplies before the school year starts, or share that information during the first few days of classes. It’s also a great idea to label anything that might easily get lost so that it can be returned to you if it’s misplaced.
3. Stay healthy: Submit all required health forms before the start of the year, and double check that your child is up to date on all required vaccinations.
4. Practice makes perfect for your family’s routine: After a long summer, it can be tough for families to adjust back to their regular routine—ease the transition by ensuring your children are on a regular, healthy sleep schedule before September arrives. Then, a few days before school starts, try out a “test run” of the first day that includes getting ready, eating breakfast, and traveling to your child’s school. If you’re not sure how your child will be getting to and from school this year, check our transportation overview page for more information about their options and eligibility.
5. Create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA): NYCSA is your number one source for important information to help support your child’s education. Create an account if you haven't already, and once you have, make sure your information is up to date for the new school year.
6. Get involved: Connect with your school’s Parent Association—you’re automatically a member! The new year is also a great time to start attending your local Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC) meetings to share your insights, and have a place to make your voice heard. 
7. Still have questions? There are people with answers! Use our Find a School tool to get your Parent Coordinator’s contact information (they are a great resource when you have questions about your school), as well as information for other school staff members.
8. Get Connected with NYCPS: Follow us on social media (X/Twitter; Instagram; Facebook) for the latest news you should know. The NYCPS+You newsletter will have updates and highlights about what’s going on in schools across the city. And, of course, don’t forget to come back and visit us right here on The Morning Bell, where we will continue to share resources, information, and more—all year long.

We can't wait to see everyone on Thursday, September 5 for the first day! In the meantime, our Back to School Checklist is also available for more helpful advice and resources as you get ready for day one.