We send out our ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE twice because we know as parents how crazy it can be transitioning from summer into a new fall routine.  We don't want you to miss out on the many services and activities available to your family (not to mention that we have even more updates below).

SCROLL BELOW for a quick preview of after-school programs, sports, classes, tutoring programs, preschools & private schools, and some local businesses that want to keep your family happy and healthy as we go into fall schedules. Go online to our RESOURCE DIRECTORY to view over 1,500 Santa Barbara businesses, resources programs and schools with links and contact information.

Download the SBParent.com PRINTABLE AFTER-SCHOOL GUIDE that includes a comprehensive A-Z list of classes, sports, schools, and tutoring services complete with phone numbers. You can also pick up a guide at businesses and schools throughout Santa Barbara. (Let us know if you would like copies for your organization.)

The goal of SBParent.com is to keep things simple for families, so please pass on this newsletter by sharing this link with other parents: http://newsletters.sbparent.com/Newsletters/view/Back-To-School-Guide-20102,136.html

Use our PARENT PLANNER under the SBParent.com resource directory to to create your own customized list of programs. Check the box next to each business you're interested in and then click "View my Parent Planner" at the very bottom of the page and you can either print or email that list to yourself and/or others. (There is also a parent planner check box next to every calendar event.)

HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES...

• We've centralized links to the school and district websites to view school SCHOOL CALENDARS, print monthly LUNCH MENUS, and read the minutes from the school board meetings >>
• BOOSTER BUS SCHEDULE for junior high and high school students >>
• Find BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS >>  Our tips page has great articles on helping kids transition into the new year, creating positive study habits, ideas on how to get involved in your child's school, ways to support the PTA, and information on how to handle parent-teacher conferences.
• TRANSITIONING FROM PRESCHOOL TO KINDERGARTEN is a great article from local professional, Beth Kanne-Casselman, MEd, LMFT.
• SNACK & LUNCH IDEAS >>
• TIPS TO STAY SAFE WALKING OR BIKING TO SCHOOL >> Walking, biking, and carpooling to school is always encouraged. The Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST) has a Safe Routes to School program. By the way, did you know that the City of Goleta will be installing a traffic light at Berkley/Fairview this fall?
• This year, SBParent.com partnered with the Santa Barbara News-Press to bring you a list for their Back to School guide. If you missed it on August 11th, you can view this issue online >>

Encourage your child to participate...

• There are amazing programs in schools throughout the county so make sure to ask your child's teacher about the available options if you are interested in having your child participate. These programs can differ from school to school and many happen at the county level. 
• Click on SBParent.com to see a list of county programs ranging from Battle of the Books to Math Superbowl, Reflections, Red Ribbon Week and more.

Get Involved...

• Support your child's teacher: Stay informed by reading the newsletters and teacher's notes that come home each week. Visit your school's website and use your school's parent handbook to find your school's programs, schedules, after-school care options, etc.
• Volunteer: Ask your child's teacher how you can help with volunteering either in the class or on a school committee or by helping with a fundraiser. 
• Donate: This year more than ever with all the budget cuts, parents are going to need to show their support by sharing their time and making financial contributions whether their child is in preschool or high school.
• Join the PTA: Support your PTA by becoming a paying member (approximately $9/year with a portion coming back to your school site). The PTA is the largest all volunteer organization with the sole purpose of advocating for the education, safety and health of ALL children. Every dues paying member has a voice at the local, state and national level when it comes to legislation that pertains to children. Attend PTA meetings so you can stay informed on what is going on in your school. The PTA hosts fundraisers throughout the year to support special programs, and activities. See how you can support these through donations and volunteering. Ask your PTA about signing up at escrip.com and registering your Vons card, debit cards, and credit cards. (Any purchases you would normally make can pay your school back a percentage.)

We hope that the transition back to school goes smoothly for you and your family! Have a great school year.