In a few short weeks, school buses will be field with students eager to begin the new school year. Many parents may have begun their back to school shopping already; however there are a few more “Back 2 School” lists parents should check before dropping their learners off at the bus stop.

First Steps

Call the school district with question’s about your child’s school

Find out what day classes start and what time your child should arrive

Enroll your child (if not already registered from the previous school year)

Fill out emergency contact sheets and any other required forms

Check Medical Requirements

Make sure your child has all required immunizations

Schedule a physical exam for your child if needed to

participate in school activities

Get your child’s vision checked before school starts

Notify the principal’s office, the school nurse, and

your child’s teachers about any health problems or

medications

Learn About the School

-Find out whether the teacher prefers to communicate by phone, email or written note

Know what your child is expected to learn

Familiarize yourself with the information on the school website

Note the phone numbers for checking school closures or reporting absences

Find out the procedure for taking your child out of school early

Read the school handbook and make sure your child understands the rules

Plan To Be Involved

Mark school events on the family calendar

Attend the back-to-school program

Schedule and attend parent/teacher conferences

Meet leaders of the parent/teacher group

Plan Healthy Meals

Have nutritious food on hand for breakfast and after-school snacks

Find out how much school breakfasts and lunches cost

Find out whether snacks and drinks are available at school or can be brought from home

Ask where to obtain weekly school lunch menus

Alert school staff in your child has a severe food allergy

Arrange Transportation

Practice getting to school with your child

Bus:  Make sure he/she knows where and when to be picked up before and after school

Bicycle: Review road safety and make sure he/she has a helmet

Walking: Walk the route together and review pedestrian safety guidelines

Arrange a carpool if necessary and introduce your child to the other adults and children

Compile contact information of parents who can pick up your child in an emergency

Make After-School Plans

Arrange child care or after-school activities

Choose extracurricular activities carefully to avoid schedule conflictions

Make sure you child knows where to go after school each day

Help Your Child Prepare for School

Arrange for your child to play with others in their age group before classes start

Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school and talk over any concerns

Talk with your child about their daily school schedule

Talk about peer pressure with your child

Have your child memorize your home address and home/work phone numbers

Tour the school with your child so he/she can find their classrooms, the restrooms, and the cafeteria

Arrange a time for you and your child to meet their new teachers

Lay the Ground Rules

Establish a bedtime before school starts

Determine when and where your child will do homework

Figure out a plan for balancing homework and play time

Set rules for time spent on TV, video games, and the computer for non-school activities[1]

By following these easy steps, your child will be prepared to have a successful school year.

In need of healthcare coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW to find out how.

www.midwestakm.com

http://www.ccarei.com/

www.procarehp.com

 

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[1] www.schoolfamily.com

Millions of dollars are funded to the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) each year. These funds are then distributed to well-known and respected agencies, such as THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) and the Michigan Department of Human Services. Since 2002, the Michigan Public Service Commission has awarded funds to LIEEF, until now. The Michigan Court of Appeals has decided LIEEF no longer falls under the Public Service Commission’s scope of power. This decision will result in the interruption of utility services for thousands of low-income Michiganders.

Stress is not the only factor that will affect the health of our neighbors, co-workers, family or friends if this decision is upheld.  Issues such as heat exhaustion/stroke or food-born illnesses are just a few issues that will have an immediate impact on the health of low-income utility customers in need. When the heating season begins, more serious health concerns come to mind. Hypothermia, pneumonia, frost bite, or carbon monoxide poisoning will send thousands of people to their primary care physicians, urgent care facilities or emergency rooms. Because so many low-income individuals are either under-insured or living without health benefits all together, all of these treatable conditions can result in death.

If you’re thinking there is nothing you can do to reverse the Court of Appeals’ decision, you’re wrong! Contact the local agencies (listed below) that depend on the millions of dollars LIEEF provides each year to help our community to find out how you can help. Together we can keep Michiganders healthy and warm!

·        The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW)

http://www.thawfund.org/   

    1-800-866-THAW (8429)

·        Michigan Department of Human Services www.michigan.gov/dhs

517-373-2035

·        Salvation Army www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_emi.nsf

248-443-5500

·        Michigan Community Action Agency Association

www.mcaaa.org

517-321-7500

*Without healthcare coverage? HealthChoice of Michigan can help! Call 1-800-WELL NOW and find out how.*