The Marysville School District is gearing up for the start of a new school year beginning Wednesday, Sept. 5.

Whether your child is starting school for the first time, heading to a new school or returning for another year, we know you and your family are excited and probably a bit anxious about this important life event. As you prepare for the month ahead, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a successful school year. First, make sure your child attends school every day. School attendance is a baseline factor in determining a student’s success, and while the importance of attendance may seem obvious, the consequences of low attendance are serious for all children and our entire community. Being in school leads to succeeding in school, helps students stay out of trouble and ensures they are on track to graduate.

Remember to project a positive attitude about school. Children pick up on the messages we send, so make those optimistic and hopeful. Communicate to your children through words and body language that you are excited about school and confident they will enjoy it.

Help your child get a healthy breakfast and lunch, which increases concentration and helps improve grades. Medical authorities and nutrition researchers have documented that kids who eat nutritious meals every day and lead active lifestyles will excel. Ensuring your child gets a healthy breakfast and lunch will help them in the classroom.

Establish family rules related to TV, computer and video game usage. Even in the age of computers and online education, ground rules for using electronic devices need to be set. These rules apply to parents, too. Our technology partners Eduro Learning have provided us with example media contracts for families. Find them at www.msd25.org under Menu – For Parents – Forms. And don’t forget to take care of yourself. As a flight attendant would say, “If you are traveling with a small child, put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on your child.” As parents, we can only help our children if we are also taking good care of ourselves. Take care of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, relationally and spiritually. Make it a priority.

Emily Wicks is the communications director for the Marysville School District, which runs a monthly column in this newspaper.