30-Day Countdown: Tips to Prepare for the First Day of SchoolBack-to-School Countdown

The first day of school is just around the corner! Whether you’re a seasoned parent or your child is starting school for the first time, this 30-day countdown offers simple, actionable tips to help your family feel confident and ready. Let’s dive in!

30 Days to Go: Mark Your Calendar

Let the countdown begin! FOA kicks off a new year of learning, growth, and connection on Monday, August 18, 2025. Mark it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, and get excited!

29 Days to Go: Stay Connected

Stay connected with everything FOA! Visit our LC Community for updates and follow us on social media to get countdown posts, staff spotlights, and prep reminders all in one place.

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/FPCSO

Instagram: @friendshiponlinecampus

LC Community: Log in daily for updates!

28 Days to Go: Update Your Contact Info

Make sure you’re not missing any FOA updates! Take a moment to confirm your email and phone number in the LC Community, and check for missed messages or key announcements.

Pro Tip: Add your school contacts to your “favorites” list so you never miss a message!

27 Days to Go: Review the Supply List

Let’s get those supplies ready! Visit the LC Community and find the supply checklist for your child’s grade level. This is a great weekend task for the whole family.

Idea: Use sticky notes, bins, or caddies to organize supplies by subject.

26 Days to Go: Create a Learning Space

Whether it’s a corner in the living room, a quiet spot at the kitchen table, or a full home learning setup — giving your child a clear, organized space for school helps build structure and set expectations for learning at home.

Here are a few tips:

Choose a quiet, well-lit space

Stock it with school supplies, headphones, and a charger

Personalize it with something your scholar loves (art, calendar, or plant!)

Make sure the internet signal is strong and devices are charged

25 Days to Go: Test Your Internet

A strong internet connection is your scholar’s lifeline to learning!

Today’s challenge is to test your Wi-Fi. Can your student stream a video call without lag? If not, now’s a good time to reposition your router, restart your modem, or reach out to your provider.

Idea: Set up a backup plan (like mobile hotspot access) just in case!

24 Days to Go: Set Expectations

Talk to your scholar about what to expect from virtual learning — sitting up for class, keeping the camera on, raising their hand, and staying focused. Clear expectations early on lead to smoother mornings and stronger habits.

Pro Tip: Practice a short “mock school session” at home this week!

23 Days to Go: Finalize Supplies

Have you gathered everything your student needs to succeed? Take a moment today to double-check your supply list and shop for any missing items.

Don’t forget: headphones, notebooks, writing utensils, and any tech accessories.

22 Days to Go: Organize Logins

FOA students use multiple platforms — and it’s helpful to have all your logins in one spot! Create a “Digital Launch Sheet” with your child’s usernames and passwords for platforms like Zoom, Clever, ClassLink, or Edgenuity. Keep a printed copy in your child’s workspace.

21 Days to Go: Tech Check

Power up and check those tech tools! Today, have your child plug in their device, turn on the webcam, test the mic, and practice launching a virtual class platform. This quick tune-up helps avoid last-minute tech surprises on Day 1!

20 Days to Go: Bookmark Learning Tools

Make it easy for your scholar to access learning platforms — bookmark them today! This includes LC Community, Clever, online textbooks, Google Classroom, or Zoom links. Having everything just one click away builds confidence and independence!

19 Days to Go: Test the Audio and Video on Your Learning Device

Ensure your child’s microphone and webcam are working correctly before Day One. This small step goes a long way toward smooth participation in virtual classes.

18 Days to Go: Complete the Media Release Form

Help us celebrate your scholar all year long! Families must complete the media release to appear in public-facing newsletters, social media, or highlights.

Complete it here: Media Release Form

17 Days to Go: Read About Your Scholar’s Teacher in our “Meet the Team” Posts

Building connection starts with knowing who’s who! Browse our teacher spotlights in the LC Community and on our social pages. See who your child will be learning from this year!

16 Days to Go: Print Your Scholar’s Schedule

Routines make life easier. Keep a printed schedule (if available) posted at your scholar’s desk, refrigerator, or even framed in their workspace!

15 Days to Go: Explore the online classroom layout (Canvas, Edgenuity, etc.)

Get familiar with the look and feel of your scholar’s virtual classroom. Knowing where assignments and announcements are posted can boost student confidence! Label notebooks, folders, and tech accessories with your child’s name to keep things organized and prevent mix-ups.

14 Days to Go: Practice Logging In and Attending a Mock Virtial Session

Do a practice run! Test logging into your FOA platform, turning on the mic, camera, and joining a sample Zoom or Canvas link.

13 Days to Go: Prepare a List of Questions for Back-to-School Night

Encourage your scholar to think about what they want to know — classroom expectations, fun projects, or how to ask for help. This builds ownership and communication skills.

12 Days to Go: Share Your Excitement on Social Media

Tag us and show off how your family is getting ready for the school year. Let’s build the FOA buzz!

11 Days to Go: Help Your Scholar Write an Introduction Email to Their Teacher(s)

A short message from your child saying “Hi!” builds confidence and lets teachers know they’re ready to learn. Simple introductions make big impressions.

10 Days to Go: Take Your “First Day Prep” Photo for our Padlet Wall

Get creative! Whether it’s a backpack, fresh notebook, decorated desk, or new school outfit — let’s see your school spirit in action.

>>> Back-to-School Prep Photo Wall

9 Days to Go: Review Attendance Expectations and Our Academic Calendar

Go over the importance of logging in daily and attending live sessions. Revisit the academic calendar for important dates, breaks, and testing windows.

8 Days to Go: Discuss School-Year Routines: Bedtime, Screen Time, Lunches/Snacks

Start shifting into a school-ready routine. Talk about consistent bedtimes, tech-free wind-downs, and daily schedules for learning, play, and meals.

7 Days to Go: Check Out the Events on Our Website

FOA events = connection + community. Visit the FOA site to mark your calendar for virtual and in-person events — including Back-to-School Night!

6 Days to Go: Do Tech Check – Is Everything Working Correctly and Charging?

Check your child’s device, webcam, mic, charger, and headset. Ensure it’s fully charged and ready for Day One success!

5 Days to Go: Attend Back-to-School Day (10AM – 2PM ET at our Kansas Ave Campus)

Come meet the team, ask questions, and get hyped for the year ahead! We can’t wait to see you in person as we kick off this school year together.

4 Days to Go: Share Your Excitement for Day 1 on Social Media

Use #FOAFirstDay2025 to show the world how you’re preparing to launch into learning. School pride starts at home!

Don’t forget to tag:

Instagram: @friendshiponlinecampus

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/FPCSO

3 Days to Go: Celebrate Your Hard Work

You’ve prepped, printed, practiced, and posted—now it’s time to pause and enjoy the moment with your scholar. Whether it’s movie night or ice cream, celebrate YOU!

2 Days to Go: Check Your Email and/or Text Messages for Teacher Updates

Important updates, welcome videos, and Zoom links are coming through! Review any messages from teachers so you’re in the know before Day One

1 Day to Go: Prep Your Outfit and Set Your Alarm for Day 1

Pick out your FOA shirt, lay out your outfit, and set your alarm early for a strong and smooth first day. First impressions matter—even virtually!

First Day of School: Celebrate!

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Friendship Online Academy! We’re so proud of your preparation and can’t wait to learn and grow with your family.

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