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Buses, books, back to school

By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published August 20, 2013

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- With the summer season coming to an end, children and parents are making changes to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. Sleeping schedules have to be adjusted, school supplies and clothes must be bought and children need to transition from summer mode into school mode.

"I'm very excited for [my son] to start school," said Tiffany Martin, Child Development Center child care provider. "This will be his first year in kindergarten and I'm ready for him to go because he is so advanced, but I'm also a little bit nervous. He can't wait to start school and ride the school bus. I don't know how he'll actually be on the first day, but for now he's not nervous."

For some children, the first day back to school can be scary, especially for new students or those that have just transferred to the base.

To help adjust students to their new environment, Wayne County school district open houses will be held Aug. 21 for high schools and middle schools and Aug. 22 for elementary schools. An open house is a chance for parents and youth to see their schools, meet teachers and find out what supplies they will need before the first day of school.

Martin said that she has already purchased the essential items that she knows her son will need for his first day, but is waiting to talk to the teacher before making any additional purchases.

"Getting prepared can be a hassle, you just need to prepare [ahead of time]," Martin said.

While some Wayne County schools have already begun the school year, all classes will be in full session by Aug. 26.

To assist with the transition, the base youth center offers many programs and after-school clubs for children and their parents.

The School Age Program (SAP) provides before and after school care geared toward youth whose military parents work full time. The Wayne County school system has buses available at certain schools that will transport students to and from the youth center to further assist Service members.

"The SAP is a useful tool for parents, especially single parents, who aren't able to take their children to and from school because of work," said Chameeka Brooks, 4th Force Support Squadron SAP coordinator. "We are able to provide an environment for children to come outside of school hours and interact with other children to improve their social skills."

The youth center also offers a variety of clubs and activities to further the children's involvement and education.

According to Brooks, the clubs are designed to promote social interaction and continue the educational process to put students ahead of the curb. There is also a built in "power hour" to assist children with their homework, but is not intended as a tutoring service.

For more information about getting your child ready to go back to school, call the youth center at (919) 722-0502, the School Liaison Officer at (919) 722-0691 or visit www.waynecountyschools.org.
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