Back-to-School Tips To Help Coweta County Students Excel

School is back in session, and it’s the perfect time for parents to get involved and take steps to ensure this school year will be successful.

Nora Ann Wood, a retired high school counselor from Central Educational Center (CEC) in the Coweta County School System, offers some tips to help parents and students have a great school year.

“You want your child to be successful, enjoy school as much as possible and have a good day,” Wood said.

Tips for Success

1. Find your child’s school supply list. Parents can look on the website for their child’s school to find the list of items they are required to purchase this year.

2. Search for deals or get freebies. Look for sales on back-to-school items, such as clothing, backpacks and school supplies. If your budget is tight, attend school supply giveaways hosted by local churches and nonprofit organizations, including One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The Salvation Army can also help families in need with food and clothing.

3. Attend open houses and meetings with teachers. Before the first day of school, parents should attend the open house at their child’s school so they can get to know the teachers, counselors and other administrators. It’s recommended to bring the child to the open house. If parents can’t attend because of work or other responsibilities, they should try to find a relative or friend who can go in their place. Throughout the school year, it’s important for parents to set up appointments with teachers and attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences.

4. Build relationships with teachers, school staff and administrators. After the school year begins, parents should stay in contact with their child’s teachers and counselors to build relationships with them. This will make it easier for parents to have open communication about their student’s progress.

5. Use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents should regularly visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check their child’s grades and track their progress.

6. Get updates from Coweta County School System (CCS)-TV News. To find out highlights and updates from Coweta County schools, tune in to CCS-TV News, which can be accessed through the Coweta County School System’s website.

7. Get involved in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). When possible, parents should join the PTO at their child’s school to get involved with supporting the school’s teachers and educational experience.

8. Be active in your child’s education. It’s important for parents to ask children about their day, which can often be done effectively while riding in the car. Ask open ended questions, such as “Tell me what you did in school today” or “Show me the work you brought home.” Let younger children know that you’re looking in their backpack for homework or notes from their teacher. This shows students that their parents are interested in what they’re doing.

9. Take advantage of after-school programs. After-school programs are a great option for elementary school students. These programs allow students to play with other kids in a safe environment and get help with their homework.

10. Get help with classes early. If your child is having trouble with a certain class or subject, seek assistance when they first start having issues. Reach