As we enter the final stretch of August, the nights are getting cooler, school supplies are being pushed front and center in stores, and the trees are showing a hint of the fall colors to come. Where did the warm summer months go? While summer vacation seems to have come and gone once again, millions are students are heading back to school—many for the first time. In fact, nearly three million children are going to school for the first time this fall! All this makes for a few hectic weeks coming up. To help during this stressful time, we’ve put together some tips and resources for easing into the classroom this fall.

Take a moment to enjoy the last few days of summer (if you haven’t gone back to school already!).

Although many schools have started back up for the 2017–2018 school year, a few are still set to start after the Labor Day weekend. Make time for yourself these last few days and get a little R&R. If school is already underway for you, take the weekend to unwind from the long week. These little moments will make a big difference on your mental health later in the semester.

Plan ahead for the months to come with different bulletin board designs.

A staple in most classrooms, bulletin boards can add flair and creativity to even the most boring classroom walls. Encourage students to read, explore other students’ interests, or help students learn something new with simple designs. One month could highlight books pertaining to the time of year, while another could highlight interesting facts about each student. Need some bulletin board ideas? Check out a few of our favorites on our Pinterest board.

Start building relationships with your students.

Building relationships with students at the beginning of the year is important. You will not only get to know your students’ likes, dislikes, and habits but also make them feel more comfortable as they adjust to a new grade. One of the best ways to build relationships the first week? Icebreaker activities! Check out our recent blog post on these activities here.

Build a support system with other educators.

Speaking of relationships, it’s also important to connect with other educators. Whether you’re brand new or teaching for the last time this fall, relationships can make or break your year. Plus, they help prevent educator burnout. Quality relationships provide support, serve as guidance for new educators, and provide safety nets when others stumble.

Take advantage of our curated back-to-school resources.

We’ve compiled our relevant help files, infographics, blog posts, product updates, and much more to make this fall a little easier for you. Curious to see what resources we’ve included? Visit www.renaissance.com/bts-2017/ and explore our plethora of back-to-school resources.

The beginning of the school year is stressful. However, it also brings excitement and new possibilities. Take advantage of the new year and prepare for the best school year yet!