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We are in the last week of July, which means that the start of the new school year is just a few days away.

It’s a good time for parents and guardians of school-age children to make sure they have their ducks in a row. That means making sure health information is up to date, checking on school supplies and back-to-school clothes shopping.

Public schools may require:

– Birth certificates (if students are enrolling for the first time or the first time at a new school)

– Immunization records, especially for kindergarten or first-grade students

– Well-child exam (while not specifically required, a well-child exam might include the physical exam needed to do activities like marching band and athletics)

For those shopping for supplies, Tennessee’s sales tax holiday is this weekend, ending Sunday at 12 p.m. The list of tax-free items includes clothing under $100 per item.

We would encourage shoppers, even if items are tax-free, to shop at small and local businesses. Shopping small and local strengthens the local economy and keeps more of your money in the community.

At many schools, students are asked to bring everything from binder paper to dry-erase markers to antibacterial wipes. Obviously, students are being asked to fill in for some of the supplies that typically (and unfairly) fall to teachers, like paper towels. We all have the opportunity to give back and ensure every student starts the new school year off with the basic supplies needed to thrive.

All Carter County Schools students will be able to get free breakfast and lunch regardless of income next school year, the school system has announced. Parents will not have to complete an application for students to receive free meals.  

In the Elizabethton City School System, students at Eastside, Harold McCormick and Wandell Early Learning are eligible for the free meals.

Also, a Back-to-School Bash for Elizabethton City School students will be held Monday, July 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elizabethton High School. There will be free school supplies, free community resources, and free food for students to celebrate the 2024-25 school year.

While heading back to school might be the end of the freedoms that come with summer fun, it’s a time of newness. Despite potential anxieties surrounding learning new concepts or making friends, there’s also excitement that comes with mastering tasks and warm and fuzzy feelings when building or expanding relationships with others.

Though you might not be packing your own backpack, or anyone else’s for that matter, this back-to-school season, remember those sentiments of yesteryears. Consider the values that come with this time of year and try to carry it through fall, winter, next spring, summer and beyond. 

Whether you’re a student, working adult or retiree, remember a new day offers unique opportunities to expand your knowledge and grow.  

With or without the new clothes and school supplies, and despite the challenges that might arise with early mornings, hard teachers (or bosses), mean classmates (or coworkers) and growing pains, back-to-school season is a reminder to approach chances to learn and grow with excitement.