Educators say these are the seven keys to starting the school year off right

The beginning of a new school year can bring a mix of emotions for families. Some fear the unknown, while others are excited for a new start.

We asked Springfield District 186 officials -- a principal, teacher, nurse, and coach -- for their best advice for starting and sustaining a successful academic year. Here are seven tips for parents and children:

Limit technology before bed

Fairview Elementary fourth grade teacher Kathy Fox has worked in District 186 for more than 20 years. She is the district's latest Teacher of the Year recipient.  Fox said students tend to struggle with being on time for class and maintaining good attendance. She said part of the issue stems from the frequent use of technology before bed.

“Some students tell us how they were on whatever technology piece they have at home, late into the night. We encourage them to put it away so they can be prepared for the next day,” Fox said. “We really promote going to bed on time and limiting the use of technology beforehand. It's key to the student being able to get a good night's sleep."

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, children who watched television or played video games at bedtime reported getting 30 minutes less sleep than those who did not. The study also showed children who used their phones at bedtime reported about one hour less sleep. Children who used a computer at bedtime reported having close to 60 minutes less sleep than those who did not and were more likely to have trouble falling asleep. Overall, children who used their phones before bed were more likely to feel exhausted in the morning compared to those who did not.

Build relationships with teachers

A sixth-grade teacher at Grant Middle School, Sarah Monahan, said communication between the parent and teacher is key to a student's success. She encourages parents to make a habit of reaching out if they have any concerns throughout the year.

“Via email is probably the best way, but just stay in contact with teachers in case you have questions or if a student is confused. Having that open dialogue between families and teachers is always going to be successful for the student in the end."

More: Back to school: Here's when students head back to the classroom by county and district

Fox said that open dialogue can also be helpful if students struggle with anxiety over homework throughout the year.

"We don’t want the homework to be an anxiety piece so it's important for the parent and children to communicate with the teacher so we can help them adapt or do some modifications if necessary."

Monahan said allowing students to rest before starting homework immediately can also help defeat anxiety.

"Let them take a 30-minute break from the time they get home before starting their assignments because that lets them wind down and get relaxed, then take one assignment at a time and let them get a 10-minute break before starting the next assignment instead of trying to get it all done in one setting," she said.

Find the school's grading platform

Monahan strongly encourages parents to figure out what internet platform the school uses for grading. She said checking it regularly throughout the year can help put the parent and student at ease when measuring progress.

“Teachers put incomplete assignments in the gradebook right away and it shows students what they’re missing and what they need to do to pull their grades up. A lot of parents aren’t aware they can have access to it themselves to make sure their student is staying on top of their assignments,” she said. “I also remind my own students to check it because sometimes kids don't remember if they turned something in. Being aware of what the grades are and what assignments are missing will be the greatest help for the student and parent.”

Buy comfortable shoes

Jasmin Woolfolk, girls basketball coach at Southeast High School,, advises parents to buy students comfortable shoes for the school year.

“Kids can be a little harsh so just making sure they have on the appropriate shoes can go a long way,” she said. "Try to start them off with a fresh new pair and preferably not sandals. Closed-toe shoes are best so they are prepared for P.E. and things of that nature.”

Explore options with sports

Woolfolk encourages students to get involved by joining a school sports team. She said parents can help them explore their options.

“Sports can be a great teacher of life and sometimes it's not about talent, it's about being able to be around your friends, build relationships, and have something constructive to do. I encourage kids to try out for a team and try different sports instead of the mainstream," she said. "You never know what you’ll like or what you're good at. Sports can also be a great way to pay for college if the talent and desire meet each other.”

Update health records

Parents should make sure the school has a copy of their child's medical records, Jennie Hughes, District 186 health services manager, recommends. She said bringing in completed medication orders for students that will be taking medications during school hours also helps.

“For those mandated grades that have to have updated physicals or immunizations, call your providers now to get appointments made to have those completed in a timely manner," she said. "As always, if your student is not feeling well, please keep them home from school. Our goal is to keep classrooms as healthy as possible! Visit the health services link at SPS186.org for more details about illnesses that should keep your student home.”

Make use of school support teams

While the start of a new school year often brings jitters, Fairview Elementary Principal Patricia Nikson encourages families to remember that they have support.

“We want to work with our parents to help the kids continue the love of learning so I encourage them to join a Family and Community Engagement ( F. A. C. E) team at any school," she said. "Springfield Public Schools has a designated person as a FACE liaison at every school to support families through any part of the process. No matter how stressful the year can be, remember school is fun."

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield school officials share keys to a successful school year