Back-to-school season has a way of catching up with kids: the colds, the fevers, the playground spills. When your pediatrician’s office is closed or booked, Nicklaus Children’s Plam Beach Gardens Urgent Care is here, seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no appointment needed. Expert, child-first care from board-certified pediatric physicians, close to home, so your child can get back to being a kid, and back to class.
Greetings,
Is it just me, or did this summer move faster than the ones before it? One minute we're packing bags for vacation, the next we're hunting down the perfect backpack and easing back into the school-year rhythm (waking up teens early is a lot of fun!). There's something special about this season, the buzz of anticipation, starting school, and the fresh start that each new grade brings.
I'm heading into my 14th year of getting my kids ready for school, and let me tell you — every year still brings its own surprises! That's why I always love gathering tips and tricks to help make the transition smoother for all of us.
If you're still finalizing school plans or even looking ahead to next year, don't miss our School Spotlight in this issue. Palm Beach County has so many incredible education options, and we're excited to highlight some of them for you.
And one of our favorite traditions? Seeing your first-day photos! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @PBParenting — we love celebrating those big smiles and new beginnings with you.
Here's to a fresh start, new routines, and the memories waiting to be made this school year!
Happy Parenting,
Volume 15, Issue 8 |August 2026
PUBLISHER
Felonice Merriman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jennifer Preville GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Felonice Designs, LLC
Stephanie Davis
COVER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios www.lynnstudios1.com WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Bergman
Felonice Merriman
11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 10A-146 Wellington, FL 33414 To advertise: 561-223-9223
New school year, new workspace. Incipio's collection of affordable desktop accessories — available exclusively at Walmart — makes it easy to upgrade any desk without blowing the budget. From laptop stands and monitor risers to organizers and desk fans, these are the small fixes that turn a cluttered corner into a spot you (or your kid) actually want to sit down at. Three that caught my eye:
Incipio Portable Lap Desk with Cushion Base
$19.97 in oak or gray. Cushioned bottom, carry handle, built-in mouse pad, and a tablet holder. For the ones who do their best work on the couch, the floor, or the back seat on the way to practice.
Universal Headphone Stand with Weighted Metal Base
$9.98. Sleek matte black with a weighted base that stays put. Gives the headphones a home instead of a permanent spot on the keyboard, and it's under ten dollars.
Incipio Rechargeable Cordless Mini USB Desktop Vacuum
$12.87. Palm-sized, rechargeable, and quiet enough not to interrupt homework. Handles eraser crumbs, pencil shavings, and mystery snack debris in seconds — and it's satisfying enough that the kids will fight over who gets to use it.
As summer winds down, heading back to school can stir up a mix of feeling; anticipation, nerves, and real excitement for what's ahead. Whether your child is returning to a familiar campus or walking into a brand-new one, a little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth start.
Here are 15 practical, encouraging tips to help your child feel confident and ready.
1. Ease Back Into a Routine
Start shifting bedtimes and wake-ups a week or so before the first day. Resetting those internal clocks early means fewer groggy, frantic mornings later.
2. Prep Supplies Early
Beat the last-minute scramble and gather supplies ahead of time. Flip to page 11 for our updated back-to-school checklist, then doublecheck your school's specific list.
3. Review and Preview
A little time spent revisiting last year's material, and peeking at what's coming, can build momentum and take the edge off first-day nerves.
4. Open Up Conversations
Ask how they're feeling about going back. Excited, anxious, or somewhere in between, naming it out loud usually makes it lighter.
5. Visit the Campus
For new schools or new buildings, take advantage of open houses and orientation. Walking the halls and putting faces to names makes day one far less intimidating.
6. Set Simple, Realistic Goals
Invite your child to name one or two things they'd like from this year — a better grade, a new friend, a club worth trying.
7. Focus on the Positives
Frame the year as a clean slate. A hopeful mindset matters most in those first few weeks, when everything still feels unfamiliar.
8. Reconnect with Friends
A park meetup or group chat before the first bell can restart friendships that went quiet over the summer and take the pressure off walking in alone.
Let’s make this school year full of friendship, fun, and Girl Scout adventure!
Play, create, explore, and discover something new. Girl Scouts is a place where every girl can feel welcome, make friends, and let her curiosity lead the way.
Adventure is waiting at every troop meeting! Girls meet to enjoy creative art projects, Girl Scout traditions, community service, and hands-on fun.
Along the way, they build friendships, try new things, and enjoy screen-free after-school time discovering their talents, confidence, and sparkle.
Come see what the fun is all about! Join us to learn how Girl Scouts can fit into your family’s school-year routine and give your girl a place to belong, grow, and shine.
Scan the QR code to register now for a year of amazing Girl Scout experiences!
For more information, visit gssef.org or contact us at 561-427-0177 or customercare@gssef.org
9. Practice Time Management
A planner, a shared calendar, or a running to-do list helps kids stay on top of assignments and practices — and builds a skill that outlasts the school year.
10. Encourage Healthy Habits
Rested, well-fed kids learn better. Re-establish sleep, meal, and screen-time rhythms before the schedule demands it.
11. Build Relationships with Teachers
Encourage your child to introduce themselves and ask questions. Feeling known by a teacher makes a classroom feel safer.
12. Celebrate Individuality
Remind them they don't have to blend in to belong. Being themselves is the point.
13. Help Manage Stress
Help them find outlets that work, reading, art,
time outside, or plain quiet. And let them know that feeling overwhelmed sometimes is normal, not a failure.
14. Set Tech Boundaries
Dial back screens and bring back books, puzzles, and offline play. It helps kids re-engage with focused work before school asks it of them.
15. Make It Fun
School is more than academics. Clubs, sports, music, theater — that's often where kids find the thing that lights them up.
The start of a school year can feel like a big leap. With some planning, patience, and encouragement, your child can take it confidently. Here's to a great year ahead!
Wishing all students and families a wonderful school year from PB Parenting.
The first few weeks of school have a way of exposing every weak spot in a family's morning. Someone can't find a shoe, someone else forgot the permission slip, and the lunch that took ten minutes to pack comes home untouched. A little front-loading fixes most of it.
The single best morning habit happens at 8 p.m. Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and park them by the door. Have kids check their own folders for anything that needs a signature. It saves the driveway panic and teaches them to own the process.
Pick one spot near the door for backpacks, shoes, water bottles, and keys. A bench, a set of hooks, a plastic bin — it doesn't need to be pretty, it needs to be consistent. When everything lives in one place, the ten-minute hunt disappears.
Give Yourself a Fifteen-Minute
Set wake-up time fifteen minutes earlier than you think you need. That cushion absorbs
the spilled cereal and the last-second outfit change without anyone getting yelled at. It's the cheapest stress reduction available.
Sunday afternoon is your friend. Portion crackers, pretzels, and cut veggies into containers for the week. Wash and slice fruit. Cook a batch of pasta or rice to build on. Weeknight packing then becomes assembly, not cooking.
Kids eat what they choose. Give them two or three approved options in each category and let them build their own lunch. It takes an extra two minutes and dramatically improves the odds the food actually gets eaten.
The formula that works: a protein, a fruit or veggie, a carb, and something small they'll look forward to. Turkey and cheese roll-ups, hummus with pita and cucumbers, yogurt with granola, pasta salad, a thermos of soup, or a build-your-own cracker stack. Bento-style containers help — separate compartments
When your child is sick or injured, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at West Boca Medical Center is here for your family when you need us most. Our team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are specially-trained in pediatric medical treatment and understand the key differences between treating kids and adults. We offer more than 30 different pediatric specialties, 24-hour emergency care, advanced imaging technology, pediatric outpatient rehab (PT, OT, SLP) and more to help meet your child’s needs. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
mean nothing gets soggy, and the variety keeps it interesting.
Kids get twenty minutes to eat, and half
of that is spent talking. Skip anything that requires assembly or a lot of unwrapping. Test new containers at home first — a lid your child can't open is a lunch that comes back full.
Freeze a water bottle or juice box and tuck it in as an ice pack. It thaws by lunch and doubles as a drink.
None of this has to be perfect. Some weeks the lunches are beautiful and some weeks it's a cheese stick, granola bar and an apple, and both are fine. The goal is a morning that starts calmly. Everything after that is easier.
Here's to smooth mornings, full lunchboxes, and a school year that starts on the right foot. You've got this.
Monday
Turkey & cheese roll-ups • grapes • pretzel sticks • two squares of dark chocolate
Tuesday
Hummus cup • cucumber rounds & baby carrots • pita triangles • clementine
Wednesday
Pasta salad with peas and diced mozzarella • apple slices • breadsticks • a handful of dried cranberries
Thursday
Hard-boiled eggs • cherry tomatoes • wholegrain crackers with cheese slices • banana
Friday
Build-your-own taco cup: shredded chicken, cheese, tortilla strips • black bean & corn salad • mango chunks • a small cookie
Keep on hand:
String cheese, applesauce pouches, granola bars, sunflower seed butter, tortillas, popcorn.
Any two of these plus a piece of fruit is a legitimate lunch on a rough morning.
Swap freely:
The point is the four-part formula, not the specific combos. Note the Friday taco cup and Thursday eggs both need an ice pack.
A brand-new interactive exhibit where children can climb, crawl and explore Florida’s incredible mangrove ecosystem through hands-on play.
For 40 years, Chesterbrook Academy preschools have been dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. At our Palm Beach Gardens campus, we turn everyday experiences into powerful learning opportunities, fueling your child’s growth with activities that challenge, inspire, and delight. Skilled teachers nurture each child’s interests and help them develop academic, social, and emotional skills that last a lifetime. When you choose Chesterbrook Academy, you’re choosing a proven path to kindergarten readiness and beyond. Visit us at 3932 RCA Blvd. Suite 3201, Palm Beach Gardens. For more information, visit PalmBeach.ChesterbrookAcademy.com or call 877-959-3740.
Looking for a flexible, toptier education? GWUOHS is a fully accredited, private online school for motivated students in grades 6–12. In partnership with George Washington University, we offer a
rigorous college-prep curriculum with the convenience of virtual learning. Our students benefit from small class sizes, expert college counseling, and specialized tracks in STEM, Liberal Arts, or Entrepreneurship. Give your student the tools to excel on their own schedule. Enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 school year! Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/gwuonline-high.
Meyer Prep Meyer Prep students learn on a worldclass campus featuring state-of-the-art Innovation Labs, International Baccalaureate Middle School, rigorous secular and Judaic curricula, exceptional arts and athletics, and a warm community where every child is known and valued. Rooted in Torah values, academic excellence, tikkun olam, and a deep connection to Israel, Meyer Prep empowers students from junior kindergarten through 8th grade to thrive academically while developing the critical thinking skills, confidence, and character to lead throughout life. 5225 Hood Rd., Palm Beach Gardens. For more information visit www. MeyerPrep.org or call 561-238-9008.
The George Washington University Online High School offers a challenging online education for academically motivated students in grades 6 -12 . Students benefit from honors and AP® coursework, personalized college counseling, experienced teachers, and a vibrant online community that supports academic and personal growth.
Rigorous College-Prep Curriculum Honors & AP® Courses
“Our teen has built friendships with students across the U.S. and around the world. We appreciate the highly qualified teachers and the support we receive from our Academic Advisor. Being involved in our child’s education has made all the difference.” - GWUOHS Parent
Palm Beach Maritime Academy is an award-winning tuition-free public charter school serving K–12 students across two campuses in Palm Beach County — where every student is seen, supported, and set up to succeed. It offers marine focused handson learning, an A-rated Elementary School, county wide transportation, affordable before and after care and so much more. Anchored in Community. Launched for Life. Schedule a tour and see for yourself why we’ve been voted the best public school in PB county 7 years in a row! Located in Lantana. For more information call (561) 547-3775 or visit palmbeachmaritimeacademy.org.
Tomorrow calls for a new set of skills and a more advanced type of teacher, student and leader. Pine Crest students' ability to exhibit adaptability, collaboration, empathy and global and cultural understanding will continue to distinguish them and pave the path for their personal success and professional fulfillment. We send our graduates out into the world as emergent leaders who know their strengths and who have the courage to challenge norms, break barriers and move forward with confidence. Equipped with this mindset and capacity, our students will
undoubtedly make our society — and our planet — a better place. For more information, visit www. pinecrest.edu or call 954-492-4103.
Does your child dream of that perfect career but isn’t sure how to get there? The Choice and Career Programs in the School District of Palm Beach County can be their pathway to possibilities! They can explore over 330 choices in exciting fields like Artificial Intelligence, Automotive, Biomedical Engineering, Culinary Arts, Quantum Computing and so much more! The pathway is clear—it’s time to take that first step! For deadlines and application information, please visit www.mypbchoiceapp.com.
Don’t forget to tell them you saw their listing in
Tues - Fri: 12pm-4pm Sat: 10am-4pm Sun: 12pm-4pm
Aug. 5-8 - Meet the Teacher (Most Elementary Schools - please check)
Aug. 10 - First Day of School
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 7- Holiday - No School for Students
Sept. 21- Holiday - No School for Students
OCTOBER
Oct. 12 - Teacher Work Day/Professional Development Day No School for Students
NOVEMBER
Nov. 3 - Teacher Work Day/Professional Development Day No School for Students
Nov. 11 - Holiday - No School for Students
Nov. 23-27 - No School Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
Dec. 21 - Winter Break Begins
JANUARY
Jan. 4 - Teacher Work Day/Professional Development Day No School for Students
Jan. 5 - School Resumes
Jan. 18 - Holiday - No School for Students
FEBRUARY
Feb.15 - Teacher Work Day/Professional Development Day No School for Students
MARCH
March 10 - Holiday - No School for Students
March 22 - Spring Break Begins March 29- Teacher Work Day/ Professional Development Day No School for Students
March 30 - School Resumes
MAY
May 27 - Last Day of School
Final School Board Approved Calendar https://resources. finalsite.net/images/v1785265459/palmbeachschoolsorg/ zo0acyutpogdfkqpkzkq/FY27_SchoolCalendar.pdf
Notebooks
Pens, pencils, highlighters
Erasers
Ruler
Calculator
Backpack
Binders or folders
Loose-leaf paper
Sticky notes
Index cards
Planner or calendar
USB flash drive or external hard drive
School uniform (if applicable)
Appropriate clothing adhering to the school's
dress code
Laptop or tablet
Charger for electronic devices
Headphones or earphones
Lunch box or bag
Reusable water bottle
Snacks and lunch items
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Study Space Setup:
Desk or table for studying at home
Comfortable chair
Good lighting
This is a comprehensive list of useful items to have onhand. Check with your child's school for specific requirements.
School Holiday? Teacher Work Day? No Problem.
Breakers West has you covered with a series of fun-filled day camps that coincide with Palm Beach County’s 2026-2027 calendar of school closures.
Ages 4-12 8:45 AM – 3 PM
September 7 | September 21 | October 12 | November 3 | November 11 January 4 | January 18 | February 15 | March 10 | March 29 | May 28
To register, please call (561) 283-1062 or visit breakerswestclub.com/activities
BY AMY BERGMAN
The first day of school has a way of sneaking up. One minute you're enjoying summer, and the next you're shopping for school supplies and filling out forms. Taking time to organize before the school year starts helps reduce last-minute panic and unnecessary spending. When we're rushed, we tend to buy duplicates or items we don't actually need, creating more clutter and more stress. Instead, a few simple systems can help your family start the school year feeling calm, confident, and prepared.
1. Refresh Your Children's Closets - Before buying new clothes, go through what your children already own. Remove clothing and shoes that no longer fit or won't be used this school year, then make a list of what they actually need. You'll save money and make busy school mornings much easier.
2. Set Up the Kitchen for Grab-and-Go Success
Create dedicated spaces for lunch supplies, reusable water bottles, snacks, and breakfast favorites. Store healthy grab-and-go options where kids can reach them and encourage them to help pack their own lunches. When everything has a designated home,
mornings become less hectic while children build independence.
3. Stock the Freezer Before the Schedule Gets Busy - Sports, homework, and after-school activities can quickly make weeknights feel overwhelming. Preparing just four or five freezer meals before school starts can reduce stress and help your family avoid relying on expensive takeout.
4. Organize Your Vehicle - Think of your car as another organizing zone. Keep tissues, wipes, reusable shopping bags, water bottles, snacks, and a few basic school supplies on hand. An organized vehicle makes carpools, after-school activities, and unexpected schedule changes much easier to manage.
5. Create a Family Command Center Designate one central location for school calendars, permission slips, forms needing signatures, backpacks, lunch boxes, and important reminders. Whether it's a wall calendar, bulletin board, or small area of your kitchen, having one "home base" means everyone knows where to find and leave important items.
6. Create Systems for Paper and Digital Clutter - School creates both paper and digital clutter. Decide ahead of time how you'll save artwork, report cards, writing assignments, and special projects. I recommend a file box for each child with folders labeled by grade level so treasured keepsakes stay organized instead of piling up on the kitchen counter. For the artwork that doesn't make the file box, display one favorite piece at a time in a changeable art frame so your child's latest masterpiece can be celebrated without covering every surface.
Digital organization matters, too. Create a shared family Gmail account for school communications so both parents stay informed. Pair it with a shared digital family calendar, such as Skylight, to keep track of school events,
practices, appointments, chores, and reminders in one convenient place.
7. Simplify the Morning Routine - The fewer decisions children need to make before school, the smoother the morning will be. A hanging organizer with compartments for each day of the week makes it easy to plan outfits every Sunday. Pair that with a simple visual checklist so children can confidently work through their morning routine on their own.
My Favorite Tip: Let Your Kids Help - As children grow, they can take on more responsibility than we sometimes realize. Instead of deciding what they're ready for, ask them. They may be able to pack their own lunch, choose their outfits, unload their backpack, or keep track of homework.
Whether you use a chore chart, a visual checklist, or
a digital family calendar, involving children in your family's organizational systems builds confidence, independence, and life skills they'll use long after the school year ends. The goal isn't raising perfectly organized kids. It's raising capable kids.
A little preparation in August can save countless moments of stress throughout the school year.
XOXO, Amy
Transform your home and office into a haven of serenity and productivity with Amyzing Spaces. As a seasoned professional organizer in Palm Beach County, Amy Bergman is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock the full potential of their spaces. Explore her website http://www. amyzingspaces.com to discover how she brings order, clarity, and calm to every space.
Every day is a new opportunity for discovery at Sandoway Discovery Center! Check out our program and feeding times to plan your next visit. From fascinating exhibits to interactive experiences, there's always something exciting happening. Don't miss out on the wonders of science and nature – join us for a day filled with exploration and fun! Admission is $10 ages 3+ Learn more at www.sandoway.org.
Discovery Tales is the new story program at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium for preschool through early elementaryaged children and their families. Free with admission, each session features an engaging science-themed story followed by hands-on science learning activity.
Upcoming Dates: FANTASTIC FLIGHT
Saturday, August 8, 10:30 a.m. (Special Guest: Watercolor Artist Katherine Hofmann)
. More than just a Museum, they offer an array of educational programming for children ages 18 months - 7 years. These developmentally appropriate, interactive programs focus on your child’s developmental growth all with an eye towards future academic success.Hands-on, sensory based exploration and play intertwined with a literature, art, science, music and/or dance focus.
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 am (Special Guest: The Natural Movers Foundation)
Discovery Tales will take place at the outdoor amphitheater. Learn more - https://www. coxsciencecenter.org/discovery-tales
Details: https://www.schoolhousemuseum.org/ visit/weekly-classes
Thursdays in August | 9:30 a.m. | 45 minutes Loggerhead Marinelife Center
- Little ones ages 2–5 get early access to the center before it opens to the public. The 45-minute program blends playbased discovery stations, story time, and an educator-led walk along the Ecosystem Terrace, introducing toddlers to the habitats the center's sea turtle patients come from. $5 per participating child. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle. Details at marinelife.org.
Want the latest events?
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Saturday, August 15, 2026 (Other dates to come) at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion
Grades 2-12 rehearse at the Kravis Center
Grades 3-5 can also choose to rehearse in North Palm Beach or Boynton Beach. Audition registration and requirements at www.yspb.org.
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care needs
SAVE THE DATE: YSPB’s Winter Songbook: A Holiday Concert Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m . at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
GEMS Club: "Scales and Tales"Tuesday, Aug. 25
| 5–7 p.m. • Cox Science Center and Aquarium • Girls in grades 3–8 dig into science, math, engineering, and technology alongside a live educator and a guest speaker working in a STEM field. August's session, "Scales and Tales," centers on reptiles. Hands-on activities, plus a pizza dinner and refreshments. $15 per participant. Capped at 75 girls; register in advance at coxsciencecenter.org/gems. Info: 561-508-3377.
Disney On Ice presents SPOTLIGHT MAGIC!
September 10–13, 2026
Disney On Ice debuts its brand-new production, SPOTLIGHT MAGIC!, at Amerant Bank Arena
Canyon Town Center Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-732-8333
Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 ph# 561-732-8333 fax# 561-732-8375 roseffpediatricdentistry@comcast.net
www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com
& Me • Preschoolers Boys Gymnastics • Camps Tumbling • Cheerleading Recreational and Competitive Teams
with the purchase of an Adult ticket through 9/6/26*
September 10–13, 2026. Hosted by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy, this glamorous red carpet celebration takes families through the worlds of Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Tangled, and Moana, with more than 30 Disney characters, aerial stunts, LED staging, and a few first-ever ice debuts (including Angel from Lilo & Stitch and characters from Zootopia 2). For more info at disneyonice.com.
