School leaders offer advice on preparing kids for school, beating summer slump

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Summer vacation is winding down, and some students are heading back to school as early as next week

The first day back at school can be a mix of emotions for students and parents, which is why school leaders at La Paloma Academy are urging parents to be sure their child is not only prepared mentally, but physically as well.

According to principal Sean Watins, it's very obvious when a student isn't used to waking up early.

They'll fall asleep, be grumpy and won't be engaged in the classroom.

He recommends parents enforce and earlier and earlier bedtime a week or two before school begins.

He also recommends starting them on a breakfast routine to get their minds working early.

Parents can help calm their child's nerves by taking them to tour their school or meet their new teacher.

They should also try to avoid last-minute school supply shopping, and make sure their child has everything they need to be prepared.

"Make sure that their backpacks are ready, that they're full of everything they're going to need that way they're prepared. And they feel that confidence like you know 'I'm ready, I've been looking forward to this, I've been preparing. I'm not running out the day before school starts,'" Watins said.

Parents can also help get their child's mind stimulated and ready to learn by reading to them.

It's recommended they cut down on screen time on their on their Xbox or phone, and yes, that does mean limiting Pokemon Go.