Healthy Kids: Back to School

FORT MYERS, Fla. – We are a week into August and for some students, school starts next week!  Here to discuss getting your child ready to go back to school is Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul.

Sleep Schedule:

• Environment:  cool, quiet, dimly lit and comfortable.
• Bump back bedtime by 30 min per night.
• Week before school: bedtime and wake up time.
• Ready to learn without fatigue.
• Keep the same on weekends.
• No electronics for an hour before bedtime.

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Nutrition:

• Better diet = better school performance.
• Healthy foods and snacks are vitally important.
• Breakfast is crucial – DO NOT SKIP!
• Prepare meals the night before.
• Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.

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First Day Jitters:

• Listen to your child.
• Validate their fears.
• Problem solve with them.
• Do not show your nerves or anxiety.
• Celebrate a good first day with a treat!

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Forms, forms and more forms:

• Make sure school has your correct address and phone number.
• Give school all contact numbers for emergencies.
• Parent portals and check daily / weekly.
• Update any changes on the Lee County website.
• Attend open houses and meet teachers to see what’s expected.
• Sports physicals, medication forms, seventh grade immunizations

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Back to School Shopping:

• Don’t forget rebates and receipts.
• Get priorities and wait for open house or first day of school.
• Check out refurbished options.

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Tax-free days run from August 7-16, 2015:

• Clothing, shoes, accessories for <$100.
• School supplies selling for  <$15.
• Computers and accessories up to $750.
• Layaway sales count.
• Rain checks can be used.
• Service warranties are exempt.
• Mail order sales are exempt.
• Clothing exemptions include:  diapers, graduation caps and gowns