10 Things for back to school in Johnson County
Here is a collection of tips for the new school year from Johnson County Library, the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Johnson County’s Aging and Human Services department.
1. Johnson County Library supports back to school with free resources like live online tutoring, research databases and test prep tools. Stop by to use a study room, explore educational games for kids or get help finding books and materials for any grade level. jocolibrary.org.
2. While taking pictures on the first day of school with an information board, be careful about how much you share. Information such as full name, age, grade, school, teacher’s name, etc., can be used as personal identifiable information. These details can be used to guess passwords or security questions. Keep information simple and generic.
3. Routines provide significant benefits. They reduce anxiety, improve time management skills, and foster independence. Creating a family routine that works takes time and patience, so start implementing changes at least a week before school begins. This buffer allows for adjustments without the stress of an impending first day. For more tips on easing the transition into the new school year: bit.ly/4mZvGDu.
4. Recommended sleep duration by age:
- Preschool children: 11-13 hours
- Elementary age children: 10-12 hours
- Middle school and pre-teens: 9-11 hours
- Teenagers: 8.5-9 hours
5. As kids head back to school, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reminds families to make safety a part of their morning routine. Whether walking, biking, or taking the bus, students should be alert and avoid distractions like phones and earbuds. Parents can help by reviewing basic pedestrian safety: look both ways, use crosswalks, and obey crossing guards. Drivers are asked to be extra cautious in school zones and neighborhoods during drop-off and pick-up hours. Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and never pass a stopped bus from behind.
6. School zone violations increase dramatically during the first month of school. Many drivers may not realize the steep consequences of speeding or passing a bus illegally. All drivers should refresh their understanding of school zone traffic laws. Speed limits often drop significantly near schools during posted hours, and fines are higher in these areas. Passing a school bus with its stop arm extended is not only dangerous, it’s illegal and comes with hefty penalties.
7. The start of the school year brings a surge of new teen drivers on the roads. Collisions involving teen drivers can spike in the early months of the school year, especially during the morning and afternoon commute. Many crashes involving teens are tied to speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, and a lack of experience in heavy traffic. Parents can help by setting clear expectations: no phones while driving, no extra passengers without permission, and always buckling up. Deputies encourage teens to leave earlier than they think they need to, avoid rushing and practice defensive driving habits.
8. If you see something, say something. School Resource Officers and school administration work with the community every day. If you or your child sees, reads, or hears something suspicious related to school, please report the information. It may be nothing, but if it turns into a bigger incident, alerting the authorities and the school can save lives.
9. Back-to-school costs can add up fast. The Aging and Human Services Utility Assistance Program is designed to help families manage essential expenses. By easing the burden of past-due utility bills, you can free up more of your budget for those important back-to-school items. Find out more at jocogov.org/utilityassistance or call 913-715-6653.
10. Not sure where to turn or who to call? From clothing and food to hygiene products, many community resources are available. Visit MyResourceConnection.org to find the help you need.