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Dave Marshall

Bob Stack

Publisher Creative ink Creative Director Sears Hallett Advertising Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com

Can you believe that summer break is coming to a close? School is right around the corner, which is why we are bringing you an issue full of back to school tips and tricks.

But have no fear, there are still a ton of fun events going on in the area to help you wrap up a memorable summer.

Bye for now!

Encourage your child to meet their new teacher. If possible, attend an open house or back-to-school night. You could also look up the teacher's picture on the school's website or in a yearbook. If your child receives a welcome letter, read it together.

Connect with familiar friends.

Tour the school with your child. If there is an open house, definitely go. Being familiar with the environment can help calm any nerves. If you can't attend, try talking through what your child might see and do.

Reach out to parents from last year's class and find out who will be in your child's class this year. Schedule a play date or carpool to help refresh these relationships.

Shopping for school supplies.

Check the class supply list and allow for a few splurges, like a cool notebook or favorite-colored pen. This will help your child feel prepared and excited for the upcoming schoolwork.

Ease into the school routine a few days in advance. Establishing a solid routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Packing a nutritious lunch for kindergarten and beyond just got easier with these ideas that don’t need reheating. Follow the simple formula below for a well-balanced lunch box that your child will love!

Peanut butter and banana roll ups

Chicken Ranch Wrap

Pizza quesadilla

Waffles

Bean and cheese quesadilla

Pancake sandwich

Muffins

Sun Butter, Strawberry, and Banana Quesadilla

Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels

Mini Chicken Tacos

English muffin pizza

Dry cereal with cheese or eggs

BLT

Deconstructed tacos with meat or beans, cheese, salsa, & tortilla

DIY lunchables with meat or tofu, cheese and crackers

Pesto pasta

Ham & Cheese Skewers

Veggie nuggets

Bagel and cream cheese

Plain Greek yogurt and granola

Meatballs

Dinner leftovers

Ensure your student is fully prepared for the upcoming school year with these essential items. From a high-quality laptop that’s perfect for academic pursuits to a sturdy backpack that can handle all their books and supplies, these must-haves will help set your student up for success.

InfinityLab InstantGo 5000 power bank

It seems like phones have become an essential part of most students’ lives. It’s either for communicating with friends or checking out homework assignments. To ensure that their phones have enough juice, a power bank is a perfect solution for easy charging while on the go.

The North Face Recon Backpack

A reliable backpack is essential for any student. It should be spacious enough to fit all of their supplies and sturdy enough to handle daily wear and tear. Look no further than the North Face Recon Backpack for a quality option. It provides ample room for a laptop, books, water bottle, and more, all while being durable enough to last through the school year.

Baggu Duck Bag

If you’re a student who carries your notebooks or laptop to school every day but prefer not to use a backpack, a tote bag is an excellent alternative. Baggu, a popular accessory brand, is known for its unique prints, and their Duck Bag is a great option. This bag is made from recycled cotton canvas and comes in 11 vibrant patterns. Plus, it’s machine-washable, which is an added bonus.