By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

On the first day of school, parents should provide their students with breakfast, as the school’s program does not begin until Aug. 18.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_DSC_0177.jpgOn the first day of school, parents should provide their students with breakfast, as the school’s program does not begin until Aug. 18. Courtesy photo

NEWBERRY COUNTY — The beginning of August means the beginning of a new school year. Students from around the county will return to school — or go for the first time — on Aug. 17.

For many students and parents, the first day of school can be a stressful one. However, there are a few tips that can help make the first day of school, and the school year, less stressful and more successful.

Dr. Lynn Cary, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, recommends that all students get a good night’s sleep but each age group a different amount of sleep.

“The National Sleep Foundation recommends three to five year olds get 11 to 13 hours of sleep, six to 13 year olds get nine to 11 hours of sleep and 14 to 18 year olds get eight to 10 hours of sleep,” Cary said.

It’s also important for children to eat a healthy breakfast. Cary asks all parents to make sure their child eats breakfast on the first day of school, because the breakfast program does not start until Aug. 18.

“Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast gives students the energy to be able to learn and participate within the learning environment. When we wake up, our ‘tanks’ are empty and need to be refueled. We would never get in a car with an empty tank and try to drive to California. By refueling first thing in the morning, we have the best chance of completing the day’s journey and being the best we can be,” said Tricia Ulch, school nurse coordinator for the Newberry County School District.

Cary further recommends that children be on time for school each day. Here are the beginning and dismissal times for all Newberry County public schools.

• Boundary Street Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Gallman Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Little Mountain Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Newberry Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:50 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Pomaria-Garmany Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Prosperity-Rikard Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Reuben Elementary: Begins at 7:15 a.m., tardy bell at 7:45 a.m. and dismissal at 2:40 p.m.

• Mid-Carolina Middle: Begins at 7:30 a.m., tardy bell at 7:55 a.m. and dismissal at 3:10 p.m.

• Newberry Middle: Begins at 7:30 a.m., tardy bell at 8 a.m. and dismissal at 3:10 p.m.

• Mid-Carolina High: Begins at 7:35 a.m., tardy bell at 7:55 a.m. and dismissal at 3:15 p.m.

• Newberry High: Begins at 7:50 a.m., tardy bell at 8:10 a.m. and dismissal at 3:20 p.m.

• Whitmire Community School: All classes begin at 7:30 a.m., tardy bell at 7:55 a.m. and dismissals are 2:25 p.m. (pre-k and kindergarten), 2:50 p.m. (first through fifth grade) and 3:05 p.m. (sixth through 12th).

• Newberry Alternative: Begins at 7:30 a.m., tardy bell at 8 a.m. and dismissal at 2 p.m.

• Career Center: Begins at 7:50 a.m., tardy bell at 8:20 a.m. and dismissal at 2:35 p.m. for WCS, 2:50 p.m. for MCHS and 3:15 p.m. for NHS.

“Also ensure your student attends school regularly and that absences are minimal. If absent, make sure your student finds out what was missed that day, and makes it up,” Cary said.

The website www.kidshealth.org recommends that students write down the need-to-know information to help them remember details such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers and teachers’ and/or bus drivers’ names.

The website further suggests that parents provide a wall calendar or personal planner to record when assignments are due, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held.

“Go to the open house to meet your child’s teachers. It is very important to let your child know that you have a relationship with the teacher and that you will work together to ensure student success,” Cary said. “Remember that our schools have an open door policy, so please reach out to your student’s teacher if there are questions and concerns. If you still are not satisfied, contact the principal. We all have a common interest and that is the success of your child.”

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.