School Is 'Almost' Back In Session

Summer is almost over and starting Aug. 30, Bristol Township schools will be back in session.

Patch spoke with Bristol Township School District Superintendent Samuel Lee about the best ways to transition students into the beginning of the school year.

"You should get your children reacclimated to a routine. Try to gradually reconnect them with reading and math as early as possible," Lee said. 

While the district did not have any required reading, Lee said he strongly recommends parents to pick up anything age appropriate at local bookstores such as Barnes & Nobles.

Many book retailers currently have displays for the most common summer required reading by nearby schools and classes, many at a discount.

"Always instill reading. There's nothing in life that doesn't hinge on communication and reading skills," Lee said.

Lee said he also recommends parents to get children involved in participating with local sports teams. Sports, Lee said, not only provides structure which helps students adjust back into a rigid schedule, but also allows kids to reconnect with school-age friends and get them excited to go back to classes.

"By the end of the summer, most kids are excited to come back to classes," Lee said.

Another good step to get acclimated again, for both students and parents, is to attend the district's various orientation days. Each school has a separate orientation session for new students. These days help prepare parents and children with understanding the classes workload, structure and course format.

Here are the dates and times for parents interested in attending one of the orientation days:

• Clara Barton Elementary: Kindergarten Orientation at 5 Blue Lake Road, Levittown at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18. 

• James Buchanan Elementary: Kindergarten Orientation at 2200 Haines Road, Levittown at 11 a.m. on Aug. 23.

• Mary Devine Elementary: Kindergarten Orientation at 1800 Keystone Road, Croydon at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23. 

• Ralph Emerson Elementary: Kindergarten Orientation at 6501 Mill Creek Road, Levittown at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26.