When I was in grade school, summer always appeared endless. The school year wrapped up with a burst of activity: Field Day, TAAS testing, final projects, and sometimes we even got to watch part of a movie in class. After that, the long summer days were fun and relaxing, but eventually we started looking forward to being back in the classroom and seeing our friends.
As an adult, and especially when I was teaching, summer seemed to fly by. Once July arrived, the start of a new school year felt just around the corner.
No matter how your summer is going, Mount Vernon students will be back in school before we know it. Whether you like to plan ahead or tend to wait until the last minute, starting early can make the transition easier.
The first thing to do is make sure your child is registered. Mount Vernon ISD shared on social media that registration is now open for both new and returning students. Parents and guardians should create or log in to their ParentPortal account to finish the process.
Registering early can help your family avoid the last-minute rush and give you time to fix any issues that come up. If you haven’t registered your student yet, now is a great time to start. Make sure you have the appropriate school-supply list ready. Links to available lists are included below for convenience. Reviewing them early gives families more time to compare prices, find needed items, and avoid picked-over shelves closer to the first day of school.
It’s also helpful to ask your child’s teachers during Meet the Teacher. Some classes or programs might need supplies that aren’t on the main list.
If you want to save on back-to-school shopping, Texas’ sales tax holiday is coming up soon. The crowds can be big, but you can find good deals on clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies.
Good timing can make shopping easier. I’ve found that going early in the morning, when stores are less crowded and shelves are neat, is usually best. It also helps to check store ads and make your list before you go.
A little bit of planning now can make a big difference. Registering, checking supply lists, and getting ready for the sales tax holiday can help your family avoid stress as the first day of school gets closer. If you have additional back-to-school suggestions or resources to add to this list, email me at info@mvnow.org. I would love to share helpful suggestions from our readers with parents and students across the greater Mount Vernon community.
The summer may feel shorter than it used to, but there’s still time to get ready. Soon, classrooms will open, students will see their friends again, and a new school year will begin.
