Back to school time is right around the corner. Hard to believe, right? Summer just flew by, and somehow, it’s already time to head back to school again.
Some kids get excited for the new year, the buzz of seeing old friends, finding out who’s in your class. Others feel a little sad, maybe even nervous. That’s normal. Letting go of summer’s freedom can be tough, and the first-day jitters are real.
Back-to-school anxiety isn’t unusual. But there’s plenty you can do to help your child manage those nerves.
First, be sure to listen. Let them talk about what’s worrying them, without jumping in to fix it or telling them to “just relax.” Validation goes a long way. Say something like, “It’s completely normal to feel nervous meeting new teachers.” Kids pick up on your mood, so stay calm yourself. And if you’re anxious, your child will feel that, too.
Next, get the routine started early. A week or two before school starts, start shifting bedtimes and wake-up times so the first morning isn’t such a shock. Visit the school together, walk around, check out their classroom, and even find the bathroom. Getting familiar with the building helps. Try out the morning drive or walk to the bus stop so they know what to expect.
Let your child have some say in the process. Picking out their own backpack or first-day outfit helps them feel more in control. If they need extra support, reach out to the teacher or school counselor, just to make sure there’s a plan. Teach your child a simple breathing exercise so they can use it when nerves hit.
For more advice, check out guides from the Child Mind Institute (childmind.org) or Harvard Health (health.harvard.edu). Just being present and paying attention, being in their corner, can make the biggest difference as the new school year starts.
Here’s what you need to know for back-to-school in Englewood, Florida, for the 2026–2027 year.
School starts on August 10, 2026. If you have a student at Englewood Elementary, the Meet the Teacher event happens on August 6. For VPK and Pre-K, drop by at 1:00 p.m. Kindergarten through fifth grade meet their teachers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The new school hours for elementary students: 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Shopping for supplies? The sales tax holiday runs from July 20 through August 20, 2026, so you can buy school items tax-free during that window.
Before orientation, check your child’s assignment on the Sarasota County Schools Focus Portal. If you need more information, just call Englewood Elementary at (941) 474-3247.
For middle and high school students, start dates depend on your district. North Englewood falls under Sarasota County Schools, while Charlotte County Public Schools handles the southern part. Both districts will launch the school year on August 10, 2026. Easy to remember.
Important links for more information:
Sarasota County: sarasotacountyschools.net
Charlotte County: yourcharlotteschools.net
This is the first of a two-part series exploring all-things Back-to-School. Part two will be published on August 14, 2026.
