Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! As we prepare to welcome students back, we are committed to ensuring a successful school year for every child. These essential tips can build a solid foundation and prepare your student for success. Let's make this year the best one yet!

Start With The Basics

1. Set and Follow Routines

• Morning Routine: Wake up at the same time every day, have a healthy breakfast, and leave for school on time.
• Evening Routine: Finish homework, prepare for the next day, and go to bed at a consistent time.

2. Prepare the Night Before

• Clothes: Lay out school clothes.
• Lunch: Pack lunches and snacks.
• School Bags: Organize and pack school bags with necessary supplies.

3. Prioritize Daily Attendance

• Each day at school offers opportunities to learn, socialize, and develop skills. Consistent attendance is critical to academic success and personal growth, setting the stage for a promising future.

4. Set Goals

• Discuss with your child what they want to achieve this school year, both academically and personally.

5. Get Yourself Ready

• Adjust your family's schedule to the new back-to-school routines and activities.

Encourage Daily Reading

1. Create a Reading Space

• Set up a quiet, comfortable area dedicated to reading.

2. Read Together

• Spend time reading with your child or discussing their current book.

3. Visit the Library

• Make regular trips to the library to encourage a love of reading.

4. Let Your Child Pick Out Books

• Allow them to choose books that interest them to increase their motivation to read.

Promote Healthy Sleep Habits

1. Set a Bedtime

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it.

2. Limit Screen Time

• Reduce screen time, especially before bed, to help your child relax.

3. Create a Relaxing Environment

• Ensure your child's bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool for better sleep.

4. Monitor Homework Schedule

• Ensure homework does not interfere with adequate sleep time.

Additional Tips

• Visit our GISD website for information on upcoming back-to-school events.
• Download the ParentSquare app for iPhone or Android. This is a unified communication tool for all district communication. You can now receive all announcements from the district, your child's campus, and their teacher(s) all in one place.
• Start preparing students to limit phone use. The GISD cell phone policy will be in full effect, meaning students cannot use phones during the school day.
• Stay in regular contact with your child's teachers to monitor their progress and address concerns.
• Encourage a positive attitude towards school and learning in your child.
• Provide a nutritious breakfast and pack healthy snacks and lunches.
• Despite busy schedules, make time to eat dinner together to strengthen family bonds.

We are looking forward to a great 2025-2026 school year!