This guide has been generously sponsored by
Kidzmax
Kidzmax, The Mother of All Stores, is a one-stop-shop for parents looking for recycled clothes, shoes, equipment and accessories of exceptional quality. Kidzmax carries apparel for all occasions, sizes newborns to 20 (boys) and 16 (girls). And, with the opening of its new store in the North Center community, Kidzmax is now uniquely positioned to offer unparalleled shopping experiences both in-store and on-line at kidzmax.com, where it has already earned a 4.9-star rating.
 3954 N Lincoln Avenue/224-227-4801 |
Sadly, the summer is ending and it’s time to go back to school. New clothes, starting sports, and so much more awaits your kids in this new school year. So be prepared to have the best year yet!
Summer Assignments
Most kids these days are assigned homework over the summer to help prepare them for the classes they are going to take in the next school year. Lots of times these assignments are due on the first day of school or the first week of school. I must admit that I sometimes delayed working on these assignments, but it’s really not a good idea to procrastinate, because then you are stressed out. Time for your kids to complete these so they can truly enjoy the last days of summer without that pressure hanging over them (and you.)
Return to Sports
The best part of going back to school, for many, is returning to sports or school activities. For teens, high school sports usually begin a few weeks before the start of school. Fall sports such as soccer, football, and volleyball have a couple days of tryouts, and then the season usually begins even before the school year starts. Not only is it a great way to build friendships, especially if they are entering high school, but also it gets them back into the routine of getting up and going to school.
For extracurricular activities outside of school, check out our 2024-25 Local Extracurricular Activity Guide for lots of great options.
Shopping
Clothes
Another fun thing about going back to school is getting new clothes and shoes. My Mom has my brothers, and I, try on clothes that have been sitting in our drawers over the summer. Lots of times, the clothes don't fit once fall comes, so we go out and get some new clothes. My favorite part of that is buying new soccer shoes. With a variety of styles and colors, I can choose a different kind every fall.
Don't forget to visit Kidzmax, The Mother of All Stores, for great Back to School deals on recycled clothes, shoes, equipment, and accessories of exceptional quality.
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Language Support
Set your student up for success by making sure they have all the developmental support they need.
Communicate & Connect Therapy is your destination for top-tier speech, language, and literacy services. We provide services for individuals aged 24 months and older with a wide range of communication abilities and needs, but the heart of our work focuses on academic language and literacy deficits.
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Welcome to Embark Speech Therapy! We understand the unique journey of each and every family we serve. We recognize every child, every individual, and every family has their own story. Our goal is to be your partner on that journey, offering expert speech therapy services and compassionate support every step of the way.
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School Supplies
As you probably know, if you wait til the weekend before school starts to buy your school supplies, everything will have been picked over and most essential items will be sold out. Shop early to get the best deals and selection.
Don't forget to label everything!
$20 for $40 Worth of Personalized Laminated Labels
— View deal on CertifiKID
Custom name labels that stick to just about everything
$20 for $40 Worth of Custom Labels From Label Daddy
— View deal on CertifiKID
Washable, peel-and-stick personalized labels for school, camp, preschool, daycare, sports and more!
Healthcare
Now is the time to get all your kids' healthcare appointments in so they don't interfere with school attendance, or tests days in the fall.
Annual physicals - Flu shots are available now, and don't forget to get those sport releases signed.
Dentist - Start the year off with pearly white smiles!
Orthodontist - Braces, aligners, etc. are a commitment, but the sooner they are on, the sooner they are off.
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Optometrist - Be sure your kids are putting their best foot forward. You want to make sure they can clearly see "the board" and all the reading materials without strain.
Self-Care
Haircuts - Getting a new haircut ranging from a stylish fade to unique dreads is a fun part of returning to school. New hairstyles are an easy way to let your kid express themselves. They can add temporary color, tinsel, extensions, etc. Plus all that chlorine and sea water this summer can take a toll. A good conditioning treatment may be in order.
Capturing the Memories
Photography - We all know this time in our kids' lives, and ours, is fleeting. You'll want to be sure to capture these moments, and yearbook photos don't often do justice.
Printables - Free Back-to-School Printables to Celebrate that First Day - Two to Choose From:
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