Newsletter: Spring 2012 - Spring School Checklist

Winter Skating in Central Park, by Ada Be, used under Creative Commons
The rhythm of the school year changes in the spring. The end of the year looms and those tasks and goals that seemed so far away in September are now just around the corner. Whatever your child’s age or learning needs, here is a basic checklist that can help the entire family make the most out of the remaining weeks in the academic calendar.

  • Most states have their statewide reading and math assessments in the next few weeks. Here in New York they are scheduled for third and eighth graders during the third and fourth weeks of April. Students have been drilling in their classrooms; at home, you can make sure that they have a quiet week, with plenty of time for sleep each night.
  • Take advantage of the end-of-year conference with your child’s teacher – or schedule one of your own – to review what has gone right and where there may have been concerns this year.
  • If your child has an IEP, make sure you have reviewed it before your end-of-year meeting. Think about what goals may need to be changed and what special education or related services should be added, modified, or removed. 
  • If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to finalize plans for summer camps and programs. 
  • For students who will be moving on to a new school in September, make sure there is an opportunity to visit the new school while it is still in session. In suburban communities where everyone moves up together, this is often done as a class trip. For city students who may be moving on to a number of different schools, check for an open house or visiting schedule.
  • If your student is in high school, consider including a visit to a college or two as you plan your family vacation. Even students who are not yet actively thinking about where they want to go to college should start getting a sense of what different schools are like.
  • For students who have struggled over the past school year, it might be time to consider whether they need an evaluation of their learning needs. If you suspect your child has a learning disability or may be struggling with learning, attention, or related concerns, you can request an evaluation from your public school or contact The Yellin Center to discuss our comprehensive educational and neuropsychological assessment process.

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Photo by Jeremy Koren