B
TEXT ANN DOLIN
ack-to-school is an
exciting time for parents
and kids alike. Everyone
starts out on their “best
behavior” when it comes
to academics. Kids have
organized backpacks
and readily start their
homework with little
prodding. Moms and dads
adhere to “lights out”
schedules at bedtime and
see to it that homework is done in a timely manner. But as
the months pass, these routines and rituals often go by the
wayside because life gets hectic. When parents are juggling
multiple kids, sports, extracurricular demands and their own
work schedules, it’s easy to see how priorities change.

The good news is there are some simple things parents
can do early on and throughout the year that can make a
big difference in their kids’ organization and homework
completion. Here are simple routines you can set up at the
start of the school year.

school items in the launching pad.

3. Designate a homework folder. From the day the
very first assignment is given – which might be the first
day of class – a separate homework folder can help
improve organizational skills. A study of middle school
students found that having a dedicated homework
folder helped students locate their homework with
more accuracy and turn it in on time. Take a step
1. Establish a homework area. Identify and set up
further and label one pocket “To Be Completed” and
multiple areas that are relatively free of distractions for
one pocket “Completed” so your child knows where to
your child. Some potential areas include the kitchen
put their assignments.

table, the dining room table (a personal favorite) or
a home office. Contrary to popular belief, homework
does not need to be done at the same place day in
and day out. In fact, varying locations can heighten
attention, so identify two to four areas that might be a
fit for your child. Consider portable supplies (a shower
caddy works great) so that students can move easily
from location to location.

4. Do the “clean sweep.” To maintain order throughout
the year, and not just the first week of school, arrange
a weekly 20-minute session called, “the clean sweep.”
During this time, everyone in the house drops what
they’re doing and gets organized. This is the time
kids use to sort and file papers, clear out binders and
organize backpacks. Stick to this 20-minute session each
week and you’ll see a real difference this year!
2. Set up a launching pad. A launching pad is a
contained space for everything related to school that
needs to get out the door each morning. In essence,
it launches your child into the day in an organized
fashion, equipped with all the right essentials –
At the end of the day, it’s the creation of and adherence
to simple routines that can make a big difference in your
child’s school success. The key is to start off with one or two
routines and to stick with them until they become habits.

backpack, lunchbox, library books, pens, pencils,
you name it! It can be a box, large basket or any
Ann Dolin, M.Ed. is the founder and president of
container big enough to house your child’s school
Educational Connections Tutoring (www.ectutoring.com)
items. Put it in an area you know your child will
which provides in-home tutoring and organization/time-
see every day as he or she leaves the house. Encourage
management coaching to students throughout the D.C. area.

your child to get ready the night before by placing
washingtonFAMILY.com September 2016 11



GUIDES &r
RESOURCES ources
Education & Open House Guide
Parents in the D.C. area want top quality educational options for their children. Fortunately,
there are numerous choices available to families in this region for private and independent
schools, tutors and extracurricular activities. Washington FAMILY Magazine’s EDUCATION
Guide will help you find a program that will help your child reach his or her potential.

Private/ Independent
School AIDAN MONTESSORI
SCHOOL www.aidanschool.org
admissions@aidanschool.org 202-387-2700
2700 27th St., NW
Washington, D.C.

Ages: 18 months-Grade 6
Activities: Mandarin Language,
Spanish Language, Music, Drama,
Art, Physical Education, Girls on the
Run, Community Service
With the innovative and proven
Montessori method at its core,
Aidan prepares children to learn
confidently, think independently
and succeed wherever they go.

Open House:
2016: Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Dec. 2
2017: Jan. 6
ARRIS MONTESSORI
ACADEMY www.arrismontessori.com
mrs.beitzel@arrismontessori.com 703-200-6900
44675 Cape Court, Ste. 189
Ashburn, VA
Ages: 2 1/2 - 10
Grades: Preschool, PreK, K, 1st-3rd
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

A Montessori School providing
smaller ratio classrooms focused
on independence, concentration
and order in learning.

Open House:
Call to schedule a tour.

12 September 2016
THE AUBURN SCHOOL
FAIRFAX CAMPUS
www.theauburnschool.org admissions.fairfax@theauburnschool.

org 703-793-9353
3800 Concorde Pkwy, Ste. 500
Chantilly, VA
Grades: K-12
Hours: 8:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

We offer a dynamic educational
program for intellectually
curious students with challenges
in the areas of communication,
socialization, pragmatic language
and organization.

Open House:
2016: Oct. 17, Nov. 15
2017: Jan. 18, Feb. 16
THE AUBURN SCHOOL -
SILVER SPRING CAMPUS
www.theauburnschool.org mivey@theauburnschool.org
301-588-8048 9545 Georgia Ave.

Silver Spring, MD
Grades: K-8
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The mission of The Auburn
School is to grow the social
and academic potential of
bright students with social and
communication challenges.

Open House:
2016: Oct. 6, & Nov. 11, 8:45-10
a.m. 2017: Jan. 11 & Feb. 13, 8:45-10
a.m. BARRIE SCHOOL
www.barrie.org admission@barrie.org
301-576-2800 13500 Layhill Rd.

Silver Spring, MD
washingtonFAMILY.com Ages: 18 months-Grade 12
Activities: Extended Day, Varsity
Sports, Visual & Performing Arts
Barrie, a community of learners
from age 18 months through
grade 12, empowers individual
students to expand their
intellectual abilities, develop
their creative talents, and
discover their passions to make
a positive impact in a rapidly
changing world.

Open House:
2016: Oct. 15; Fall Friday Drop-
ins: 9-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, 9, 23,
30, Oct. 21, Nov. 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9
BEAUVOIR, THE
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
www.beauvoirschool.org 202-537-6485
3500 Woodley Rd., NW
Washington, D.C.

Ages: 4-9
Grades: Pre-K- Grade 3
Activities: Various after school
enrichment classes throughout the
year Field Trips: Various throughout the
year Hours: 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.; After Care
to 6 p.m.

An independent elementary
school located on the picturesque
grounds of the Washington
National Cathedral in
Northwest Washington, D.C.

A pre-kindergarten through
third grade elementary school
serving a co-ed population of
close to 400 students, Beauvoir
focuses exclusively on the
early childhood and early
elementary years. All curricular
goals, projects and community
decisions, as well as the scale
of the classrooms and Beauvoir
Outdoors, are designed
specifically for children under
the age of 10.

Open House:
2016: Oct. 20, 9:15 a.m.; Nov. 13, 1
p.m.; Dec. 8, 9:15 a.m.

THE BETHESDA
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
www.bethesdamontessori.com 301-986-1260
7611 Clarendon Rd.

Bethesda, MD
Ages: 3-6
An AMI school, beginning our
34th year of operation, we serve
children 3-6 years of age. Hours
are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, offering
a high academic experience to
provide the best start for your
child. Open House:
Call to schedule a tour.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL OF
WASHINGTON www.biswashington.org
admissions@biswashington.org 202-829-3700
2001 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, D.C.

Ages: 2-18 (IB Diploma)
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

At British International School of
Washington, our individualized
learning plans and experienced
teachers help guide each student
to a successful future through
challenging international
curricula and inspirational
learning experiences, both inside
the classroom and around the
world. Open House:
Call to schedule a tour.