[Raising Durham] Navigating New School Adventures: A Bull City Guide

My 11-year-old daughter, Harper, has bravely faced cancer, appeared on national news, and been celebrated by crowds of thousands. As she prepares to start at a new school this fall, she is as unflappable as ever. Me, on the other hand? I’m a bundle of nerves, despite having ushered in dozens of “first days” in various roles throughout my adult life.

It’s a humbling reminder that as summer’s golden days dwindle and the bittersweet transition to a new school year looms, even the most seasoned among us can feel those familiar butterflies. Whether your child is embarking on their kindergarten journey, advancing to middle or high school, or transferring to a new-to-them institution, the mix of anxiety and excitement can feel as daunting as filling those endless, empty summer hours felt back in June.

As a parent of a middle school-bound child, a former classroom teacher, and an educational program director in a previous life, I’ve experienced “Back to School” through multiple lenses. Each perspective has offered unique insights into navigating this annual transition. So, let’s take a deep breath together and explore some strategies to help you and your family prepare for the 2024-2025 academic year, broken down by these different perspectives:

From a Parent’s Perspective

1. Get involved: Participate in school activities to the extent you’re able. This involvement helps you build rapport with educators and understand the nuances of your school’s ecosystem.
2. Connect with other families: Use Facebook groups, NextDoor, or neighborhood listservs to find families in the same school or program. This network can provide valuable support and information.
3. Practice the commute: Schedule a dry run of your transportation route before the first day. This can ease anxiety and prevent first-day hiccups.
4. Establish routines early: In the days leading up to the first day of school, gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the school schedule.
5. Be patient: Remember, the first few days of any new routine will have some glitches. Resist the urge to immediately “fix” things or give up on processes that feel clumsy at first. The buses will run late and the carpool line will be chaotic. Hang in there and rest assured; the school knows, agrees, and is working to course-correct quickly!

From a Teacher’s Perspective

1. Introduce yourself: Reach out to your child’s teacher(s) early. If you are able, pick up some extra tissues, hand sanitizer, snacks or other materials to supplement community class supplies. 
2. Be responsive: Pay attention to communications from the school and respond promptly. This sets a positive tone for the year.
3. Schedule a tour: If offered, take advantage of school tours or open houses. Familiarity with the environment can significantly reduce anxiety.
4. Support learning at home: Create a designated homework space and establish a consistent after-school routine to support your child’s learning.
5. Encourage independence: Allow your child to take age-appropriate responsibility for their school preparations and tasks.
6. Give them the benefit of the doubt. If your student comes home with a complaint or a concern about their classroom, ask before you react. Simply checking in with the teacher for understanding can often easily clear up any issues. Remember, you’re on the same team!

From an Educational Program Director’s Perspective

1. Complete paperwork promptly: Check for any required forms and return them as soon as possible. This helps the administration prepare effectively for the new year.
2. Acknowledge the village: Remember and appreciate the people working behind the scenes – from custodians to cafeteria staff and office staff. They all play crucial roles in your child’s school experience.
3. Understand school policies: Familiarize yourself with school rules, dress codes, and attendance policies to ensure a smooth start.
4. Engage with the curriculum: Take time to understand what your child will be learning this year. This knowledge can help you support their education more effectively.
5. Seek out resources: If you need support for affording school supplies or other necessities, don’t hesitate to ask the school about available resources. Many schools and community organizations offer assistance programs.

As we approach this new chapter, remember that transitions are opportunities for growth. Your child is developing resilience, adaptability, and independence – all valuable and durable life skills. When parents, teachers, and administrators work together we create and model a supportive environment where our children can thrive.

Cheers to a fantastic 2024-2025 school year in the Bull City. May it be filled with learning, fun, and lots of growth for every student!

Heather Hindin is a Durham-based educator and single parent to 11-year-old Harper. With a career dedicated to equity in education, Heather brings both professional insight and personal experience to Southpoint Access. As the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor, she understands the importance of community and candor in overcoming parenting challenges. Together, Harper and Heather advocate for pediatric cancer awareness and research. They’ve founded Harper’s Home, a non-profit providing affordable housing to families with children receiving treatment at Duke. Heather’s Raising Durham: Tales from a Bull City Mom column offers a blend of practical advice, compassion, and community engagement, drawn from her journey as an educator, advocate, and most importantly, a mom.