Sending kids back to school after a long break can be filled with a mix of emotions for both parents and students. After a long - or not long enough summer depending on your perspective - it’s not always easy to switch gears and send kids off to school. Truth be told, it’s not always easy for the kids either.
Whether your child is heading off to school for the first time, starting a new grade, moving to a new school, or even heading off to college, each new school year can bring excitement, nerves, and plenty of adjustments.
This Back-to-School collection of articles is here to help make the transition a little easier for everyone. From things to do before school starts to ways to support your student once they are back in the classroom, I hope you find one or many of these resources helpful for your family.
Don’t forget about our FREE back-to-school printables! They can add that something special to your first-day-of-school photos before you send them out the door. You’ll also find “Get to Know Me” forms to help teachers learn more about your student and cute and fun notes to include in their lunch or backpack - just because.
🏫 Looking for school calendars, start dates, and local back-to-school information?
Check out our Back-To-School Guide 2026-2027 - Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas for school calendars, first day of school dates, and helpful information to get your family ready for the new school year.
 B. Gutell |
🎒 Back to School Events |
Back to School Events
Looking for something fun to do before school starts? Check out the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas Calendar for upcoming local family events.
📅 Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas Calendar for more local events
👉 Having a back-to-school event ?
📅 Submit it to our Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas calendar now!
🖨️ Free Printables |
📷 Make First Day of School Memories Extra Special
Before you send them out the door, don't forget those first-day-of-school photos! These FREE Printables and tips will make those pictures just a little more special:
- Tips for Taking Kids First Day of School Pictures
- FREE First Day of School Signs for Every Grade - 2026–27 School Year
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🚸 Prepare to head back to school |
New school, new grade or just new to school in general or anytime you need some ideas to help make the transition back to school just a little bit easier for your student.
All Ages:
- 8 Things To Do Before Going Back To School
- 8 Tips For School-Year Success From An Experienced Mom
- Back-to-School Tips and Tricks
- 5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great 👩🏫
- Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep? Check by Age
- Stop Asking 'How Was School?' Try These 35 Questions Instead
- 🖨️ Free Printables:The No-Nag School Morning Routine That Gets Kids Out the Door
First-Timers and Younger Kids:
- What Your Younger Kids Need To Know As School Starts
- 6 Easy Letter Recognition Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Math Magic: A Counting Trick to Have Your Kids Adding in No Time
- Math Magic: The Index Card Trick
- 7 Practical Ways To Prepare Your Child For DK, TK, Pre-K, Kindergarten
Middle School:
High School:
🤗 Some Students Need More |
Heading off to school can be hard under the best of circumstances. The last few years have not made it any easier for our kids and for some it's taken more of a toll. Here are some tips to help you help your student cope and start a conversation. If you need extra help reach out to your child's school counselors, they can lend a hand an offer valuable resources.
For Students that Need Extra TLC
- 10 Books to Ease Back to School Fears
- Coping with Back to School Anxiety
- Back-to-School Tips for Students Who Need Extra Support
 via Canva |
🫶 Special Needs, IEPs and 504 plans |
Some kids need a little extra help when it's time to head back to school or even after they start. Kids with special needs, disabilities or learning challenges might need just a little extra. Here are a few helpful tips to make it just a little easier for you and your child to return to the classroom.
- Helping Your Child with Special Needs Get Ready For Back to School
- Special Kids... Special Needs for Back to School
- Back to School Tips for Students Who Need Extra Support
- The “Get To KNOW Me” Form for Back To School
🏫 Once School Starts |
You did it! The kids are back in school, but now what? Here are a few extra tips to help you navigate those first few weeks and get the school year off to a great start.
- Stop Asking 'How Was School?' Try These 35 Questions Instead
- The No-Nag School Morning Routine That Gets Kids Out the Door
- Master Shoelace Tying in 60 Seconds: A Must-Know Skill for Every Kid👟
- 10 Tiny Skills That Save Kids From Big Meltdowns at School
 SolStock from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
🍽️ Breakfast - Lunch - Snacks |
Once children return to school and various extracurricular activities like classes, sports, and scouts start back up your schedule might become a bit tight. Don't worry; we're here to assist you. Whether you need quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack ideas that can be prepared in no time or made ahead of time, we've got you covered with these time saving tips.
Breakfast ideas
Looking for some helpful weekday breakfast ideas to tackle busy mornings when time is limited? Try these for your family.
- Breakfast Tips to Make Busy School Mornings Easier
- 5 Easy and Satisfying Breakfasts for Kids
- Easy Egg Muffins for Busy School Mornings
- 4 Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast Ideas On Those Busy Mornings
- Banana Blueberry Muffins for Your Family
- On-the-Go Breakfast COOKIES!
- 4 Easy and Satisfying Breakfasts for Busy Kids and Parents
- Bell Pepper Omelet Boats
- This Delicious Orange Creamsicle Smoothie is Sunshine in a Glass
- Healthy Green Smoothie Kids will Love
Lunch ideas
Need some lunchtime inspiration or want to add that "extra special" touch?
- 3 Ways To Pack Your Kid's School Lunch With Love
- Bento Box School Lunch Ideas - Foods that Make the Grade
- 9 MacKid Tips for Packing School Lunches
- Macaroni KID Free Printables! Print a Love Note To Make a Day Special
- 7 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat More Healthy Foods
Snack ideas
Seeking ideas for fast and simple, nutritious after-school snacks for your kids?
- No-Bake Peanut Butter, Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Healthy Apple and Peanut Butter Snacks Kids Love!
- Soft Pretzel Biscuit Bites - a Great Anytime Snack for Your Family
- 10 Healthy Snacks Kids Will Love
- Banana Blueberry Muffins for Your Family
✂️ Fun Crafts |
Get in the back to school grove with these fun and cute DIY crafts your kids can make at home.
- Pencil Cup Holder Craft For Back to School Fun
- DIY Rope Rainbow Key-chain For Back to School
- DIY Duct Tape Notebook Cover and Pencil Holder for School
🎓 Heading off to College |
Are your students getting ready for college? We have some exclusive tips and tricks tailored just for you and your college-bound child
💡 Planning for the Future |
Do you have a High School student? Is your family thinking ahead to college?
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