School's Out for Summer...Almost

Here in Charlotte, our school year doesn’t end until the first week in June, but now’s the time to get yourself together so you’re not scrambling that last week before summer break.

Teachers’ Gifts: Make a list in your Notes app of all the people you want to buy gifts for, and get on it, yes…now!  Amazon and Target gift cards are always a win, and ordering smaller denominations ($5 or $10) in larger quantities is a great idea for inevitable last minute forgotten, but important recipients. If more personal gifts are your thing, find all your kids’ teachers “Favorites” lists that were emailed out at the beginning of the year (or, if you need to, email the Room Mom).

Kids Memory Boxes: If you don’t already have one, create or purchase a plastic file box for each child that stores and organizes important and/or memorable school work. For oversize projects, if they aren’t frame- or portfolio-worthy, snap a picture on your phone as the keepsake, and throw it out. We promise, the bad parenting police won’t come after you!

Summer Schedule: If summer enrichment is your thing, now’s the time to make a trip to Barnes & Noble or Target to stock up on some workbooks while you’ve got ample options. And aim to post a daily schedule now to keep the kids occupied. You can always change it on the fly, but having a default agenda for days when everyone’s home will make expectations, across the board, clear! Finally, make sure you familiarize yourself with your home’s internet connectivity, because it’s never a bad idea to hold the WiFi password as ransom for proof of morning productivity!