Back to School Season: 8 Tips to Start Strong
Whether you're secretly counting down to structured days or dreading the morning chaos, these quick wins work for KWoods families across Livingston, Washtenaw, and Oakland counties.
Visit Campus Before Day One
Drive by KWoods with your child for a quick look at the building and parking areas. Familiar spaces reduce first-day jitters, especially for students transitioning from traditional schools to our project-based learning environment. Our 6-12 students take ownership of their education from day one, and knowing the layout helps them navigate independently. A great time to do this is at our upcoming Open House, on August 26. Learn more here.
If your child benefits from extra preparation, consider doing this drive-by a few times over the summer.
Connect With Other KWoods Families
Join KWoods parent Facebook group or ask the school office to connect you with families in your area, whether you're coming from Howell, Ann Arbor, or Milford. New families often feel the same way, and reaching out first can lead to carpooling opportunities and lasting friendships. Kids love having familiar faces on campus from day one.
Batch Prep Clothes for the Week
Sunday night, lay out the entire week's outfits, including underwear and socks. Yes, it takes 20 minutes. But it eliminates five morning battles and that frantic search for clean pants at 7:00 AM.
Get School Forms Done Early
Turn in your back-to-school paperwork at the office now to secure your spot and get your schedule when they're released right before school starts.
Pack Protein-Rich Breakfasts That Travel
Think beyond cereal: Greek yogurt with granola, peanut butter toast, or hard-boiled eggs with cheese. Fed brains think better during our challenging STEAM projects.
Check Backpack Weight Weekly
Since our students often carry dual enrollment materials alongside regular coursework, be sure to do a Sunday weight check. Backpacks shouldn't exceed 20% of your child's body weight—especially important when they're managing college-level work in high school. We care about your child’s total health, not just their brain.
Create a Concern Jar
Hand your child a mason jar and sticky notes. This is where non-urgent school concerns can go throughout the week. On Friday evenings, pull them out together and tackle one or two. It keeps anxiety from building up while giving you real insight into their world. For example:
"The kid next to me in English always taps his pencil"
"I'm nervous about trying out for the school play"
And remember, some kids prefer drawing their concerns instead of writing. That’s okay. It’s whatever works for your child.
Trust Your Gut on Big Days
If your child seems off, trust it. Send a quick email to their teacher with context: "Lisa seemed anxious this morning about the presentation." Teachers appreciate the heads-up, and you'll both feel more prepared.
This year will have triumphs and challenges. But small, realistic strategies beat perfect Pinterest plans every time. It’s not too late to enroll for Fall 2025. Tuition-free! Join us!
About Kensington Woods
Kensington Woods (KWoods) is a public, tuition-free charter school serving grades 6-13 in Livingston County, Michigan. Our small class sizes and experiential learning provide students with a strong foundation for post secondary education. Through our Early College Program, hands-on learning, and creative curriculum, our students can earn up to 60 college credits before graduation. KWoods’ mission is to guide each student on their personal educational journey, whether their path leads to university, technical programs, or professional certification. Consistently ranked one of the best schools in Livingston County! Join us for 2025-2026.
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Visit us at https://kwoods.org/