Back to School Month in August gears up parents, teachers, schools, and students for a season of education.

Make sure you know the latest information from your local state, county, and school districts.

With shorter days, it’s time to dust off the backpacks, fill them up, and plan for a new school year. Preparing children for the new year includes everything from supplies, clothes, checkups, planning schedules, and making new friends. Teachers develop their lesson plans and ready their classrooms for the new, smiling faces.

• Kindergarten
• 1st Grade
• 2nd Grade
• 3rd Grade
• 4th Grade
• 5th Grade
• 6th Grade
• 7th Grade
• 8th Grade
• High School
• Off to College

Despite all the excitement, the expense of going back to school can put a damper on going back to school. Fill-the-bus events, backpack programs, and teacher supply initiatives help to fill the gaps. Organizations around the country pull together to make the first day of school fun every year.

HISTORY

National Back to School Month has been observed since the 1960s.

The school year has traditionally begun in the fall and ended in late spring allowing the children of farmers in our agricultural society to help with planting and harvesting. Though today most families have moved to a more urban and suburban lifestyle, most schools in the United States still function on this system. However, a trend toward a year-round school year is gaining steam.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Check your supply list, tour your new school, learn your schedule. Volunteer to show a new student around your stomping grounds. Have some fun before summer is over, too! How do you get ready for back to school? Share on social media using #NationalBackToSchoolMonth.