Consider the quality of the
school system when choosing the location of your new
home. Try to match your child with the right school. If
your child isn't an academic superstar, a school
where the pressure for high achievement is strong may
not be the right choice. When your child is a sports
hero, make sure that sports are an important part of the
agenda, not an afterthought. The last thing you want to
do is damage self-esteem by placing your child in an
environment that just doesn't fit the individual.
Check the area's public,
parochial, and private schools. In your information
gathering phase, call school district offices, churches,
and check the Internet for information you require
in making an enrollment decision. Bonus: A top-rated
local school system increases property values!
Ease The Transition
When you know where you
will be moving, there are some steps you can take to
help make your child's move easier.
As soon as you can, make
contact with the new school to get accurate registration
information. You will need a birth certificate and
possibly a physical exam accompanied by
certain immunizations. Get the correct dates for
orientation and schedule your appointment. Be sure you
have all academic credit transfer information and get
started on the transfer before you reach your new
location.
Another very important
item on the registration list is establishing all the
sign-up deadlines and requirements necessary for the
sports or other activities in which your child may want
to participate.
Acquaint yourself and
your student with bus stop locations and transportation
rules to and from school. Some systems do not provide
transportation, or provide it only under
specific conditions. Verify school location, classroom
locations, and school dress codes.
Prior to school shopping,
try to observe with your child the way the students
dress in the new school. This is a very important step
in helping them to fit in and be accepted by their
new classmates. Remember, the older the child, the more
important it is for them to "dress right" for school.
After you have determined "what's in", plan a shopping
trip together to make quick wardrobe updates.
Moving In The Summer
Moving during the summer
is very common because it allows a student to complete
the academic year without having to adapt to a different
curriculum. However, making new friends during
the vacation period can be difficult. Try to find at
least one friend for your child before or immediately
after you move. Arrange a meeting prior to the start of
school. The first day of school is easier when there is
at least one friendly face.
Ascertain whether any of
the activities your child plans to participate in during
the school year offer summer camps or practice. Being
involved in the new school at the beginning of
the school year allows time to make friends before
cliques are formed. On the other hand, a new child is
sometimes a novelty when school starts and friendships
can be quickly forged.
Homework
If you are reading this
via the Internet, you probably already have a computer
with Internet access at home. If you are reading this
from a connection at work, you may want to consider
investing in a home computer as a family gift because
the computer is an invaluable tool for students doing
projects for school. Internet access is almost a must
today for school research papers and homework
requirements.
If you are concerned
about access to inappropriate material on the Internet,
you can buy a computer nanny service (software) to
block the web content you do not want your child to see.
The cost is minimal. In considering which Internet
access provider to choose, it is important that your
access is "unlimited" and "toll-free". Most areas offer
this service for $19.95 a month or less.
If you do not have a home
computer, your student may be able to use one at a local
library. About 45% of North American libraries have some
sort of Internet access.
For Children With
Special Needs
Inform the school
administration of your child's special requirements.
When you are on the "house hunting trip", meet
with school officials to discuss special needs issues.
If you have a gifted or disabled student, special
education needs may be a major consideration in your new
home's location. In families where both parents work
outside the home, be sure to inquire about after school
programs for students. Some schools offer them; some
don't. Some programs are free; some are fee-based. Get
the details.
College Students
If you are the parent of
a college student, be sensitive to the fact that moving
is difficult for them too. Although local school issues
may not be as important in your new location decision
when you don't have a student living at home, be
understanding if your college-age son or daughter is not
eager to come home to spend vacations in your new
location. When you "make" them move and leave their high
school friends behind, it is possible that your new
house will never be considered "home". By all means, do
not take this opportunity to turn their bedroom into the
guest room or home office you've always wanted!
