Back-To-School Checklist

San Carlos Patch has compiled a list from some great Back-to-School websites for parents and children getting ready for the big return to school.

School supplies, to immunizations, and school bus safety are all important aspects of a safe and happy return.

Over at USA.gov, they remind parents:

Check-Ups and Immunizations

It's a good idea to take your child in for a physical and eye exam before school starts. If your child will be participating in a sports activity, your family doctor may have to sign a release form giving the ok to participate.

SCHOOL SUPPLY CHECKLIST (for Elementary students)

- Art smock

- Backpack large enough to fit a lunch box, folders, and supplies

- Box of crayons (16-count)

- Pack of washable markers (8-count)

- Bottle of glue (8 ounces)

- Glue sticks

- Freezer packs for lunch boxes

- Packaged hand wipes (slip them into lunch boxes for wiping dirty hands before snack time)

- Hooded waterproof jacket for drizzly days on the playground

- Large pink eraser

- Lunch bag or lunch box

- No. 2 pencils

- Packaged snacks (healthy choices include pretzels, nuts—if allowed—and dried fruit)

- Plastic crayon keeper or box to store craft projects

- Plastic drink container with flip top to stop spills before they happen

- Plastic toolbox to store scissors, glue, and other supplies

- Folders with pockets

- Pocket tissue packs

- Pair of safety scissors

- Shoes with slip-proof soles to prevent playground accidents

- Small pencil sharpener

- Small umbrella

- Resealable gallon-sized plastic bags for taking home craft projects

For those parents interested in school bus safety, NHTSA website has created the following checklist:

Parents

Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.

1. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

2. When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.

3. Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.

4. Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.

5. Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street with out looking for traffic.

6. Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:

Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

Children

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• Use the handrails to avoids falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Parents

Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.