Welcome to a new week as we move through Sunday I wanted to share a new series with you. This series is to help prepare families as children go back to school soon. My nieces and nephews school starts on August 13th this year. When do your children go back to school? I would like to welcome you to Part of the Back-to-School Blessings Series: Helping families save money, shop wisely, and start the school year with confidence.
I remember when Summer would end and how excited Suzzane would be for a new school year but not Charlie he didn’t want Summer to end. Most of the time I didn’t either I missed the kids when they were in school. But there is something special about the beginning of a new school year.
The excitement of fresh school supplies, new backpacks, meeting teachers, making new friends, and stepping into another season of learning brings so many memories. For families, however, back-to-school time can also bring a lot of questions not only for parents with children in public school but #Homeschool families as well.
How can we save money while still getting everything our children need?
Where can we find the best deals?
How do we prepare for the busy mornings, homework routines, and schedule changes ahead?
That is why with the help of my friends and family that I created the Back-to-School Blessings Series here at Greatful Moments which is part of our Back to School Gift Guide. This series was created to help families prepare for the school year with practical tips, budget-friendly ideas, helpful resources, and encouragement for every step of the journey.
Even though my son Charlie has graduated, my love for sharing educational tips and resources has not changed. I still enjoy finding ideas that help families because I have nieces and nephews who are still in school, and we continue to help their parents whenever we can. The school years may change, but families will always need encouragement, organization, and support.
Whether you are preparing your little one for preschool, sending a kindergartner off for the first time, helping an elementary student get organized, or getting a teenager ready for another school year, my hope is that this series helps make the season a little easier. As I said earlier this series is also part of our Back-to-School Gift Guide, which will continue to be updated throughout the year with helpful products, gift ideas, resources, and finds for students, teachers, and families.
At Greatful Moments, we believe the little things matter — from finding a great deal on school supplies to taking a moment to pray over our children, teachers, and schools. What You’ll Find in the Back-to-School Blessings Series are resources to help families save money, shop wisely, and begin the school year with confidence.
Saving Money and Shopping Smart
Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, so we will share ideas to help families make thoughtful choices.
You’ll find articles about:
- Budget-friendly back-to-school shopping not only in DFW but worldwide
- Layaway and payment options which can be a Godsend for families like mine
- Ways to stretch your school shopping budget which I will be sharing with my mother in law
- Smart shopping tips for growing children and that includes College students as well
School Preparation Resources
Every child and every school year brings different needs.
This series will include helpful resources for:
- Preschool shopping
- Kindergarten preparation
- School supply planning
- Backpack essentials for children of every age
- Organization ideas for students and families and free printables for parents
Meals, Snacks, and School Day Routines
Busy mornings are easier when families have a plan.
We will share:
- Easy breakfast ideas
- Lunchbox inspiration
- Kid-friendly snack ideas
- Morning routine help
- After-school organization tips and free printables
DFW Back-to-School Resources
Because Greatful Moments is built around community, we will also share helpful DFW resources, including:
- Back-to-school shopping locations
- School uniform resources
- Family-friendly finds
- Local information that can help parents prepare with free printables
Faith and Encouragement for Parents, Students, and Teachers
A new school year is about more than school supplies and schedules. It is a season of growth, learning, friendships, challenges, and new opportunities.
Throughout this series, we will share encouragement and prayers for:
- Students beginning a new year
- Parents guiding their children
- Teachers who pour into their classrooms
- Families navigating busy seasons
- With Free Printable Prayer Cards for the School year
Free Back-to-School Blessings Master Checklist
To help families stay organized, we created a free printable Back-to-School Blessings Master Checklist.
This printable will allow you to:
✓ Keep track of the articles you have read
✓ Write down notes and reminders
✓ Plan important school dates
✓ Organize your family’s back-to-school preparation
You can print it, keep it with your school planning papers, or use it throughout the series as new articles are added.
The Back-to-School Blessings Prayer Card
Every article in this series will include the same printable prayer card so families can return to this encouragement throughout the school year.
A Prayer for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Heavenly Father,
As a new school year begins, we place every student, every teacher, every parent, and every school into Your loving hands. Grant wisdom to those who teach, courage to those who learn, patience to those who guide, and kindness to everyone they meet.
Help each child grow in knowledge, character, and compassion. Protect them throughout the school day, strengthen families during busy seasons, and remind us that Your presence goes with us wherever we are.
May this school year be filled with opportunities to learn, friendships to cherish, and moments that reflect Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Printable Prayer Card
A Prayer for Students,
Parents, and Teachers
Greatful Moments
Heavenly Father,
As a new school year begins, we place every student, every teacher, every parent, and every school into Your loving hands.
Grant wisdom to those who teach, courage to those who learn, patience to those who guide, and kindness to everyone they meet.
Help each child grow in knowledge, character, and compassion. Protect them throughout the school day, strengthen families during busy seasons, and remind us that Your presence goes with us wherever we are.
May this school year be filled with opportunities to learn, friendships to cherish, and moments that reflect Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Proverbs 16:3
Grateful Moment of the Day 🍎
As we begin this Back-to-School Blessings journey together, take a moment to think about the blessings that come with a new school year. What is one thing you are thankful for as your family prepares for the school year ahead? Maybe it is a child reaching a new milestone, a teacher who made a difference, a family member offering support, or simply the blessing of another opportunity to learn and grow.
We would love for you to share your Grateful Moment in the comments.
Parent Tip Spotlight
Do you have a back-to-school tip that saves your family time, money, or stress?
Share your idea with us!
Your helpful suggestion may be featured in a future Back-to-School Blessings article as we continue building a community where families encourage and support one another.
Keep Following the Back-to-School Blessings Series
New articles, resources, and printables will continue to be added throughout the season. Bookmark this page, download the free printable checklist, and return often as we continue preparing for a new school year together.
Next in the series: Stores With Layaway and Payment Options
Back-to-School Blessings
Welcome to the Back-to-School Blessings Series! Use this checklist to keep track of the articles, resources, and encouragement shared throughout the series.
Print this page and use it as your family’s back-to-school planning guide.
Master Series Checklist
| ✓ | Article | Date Read | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Welcome to the Series | ||
| ☐ | Stores With Layaway and Payment Options | ||
| ☐ | Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Shopping Tips | ||
| ☐ | DFW Back-to-School Uniform Guide | ||
| ☐ | Preschool Shopping Guide | ||
| ☐ | Kindergarten Checklist | ||
| ☐ | Easy Breakfast Ideas | ||
| ☐ | Lunchbox Ideas | ||
| ☐ | School Supply Checklist | ||
| ☐ | Teacher Gift Ideas | ||
| ☐ | Prayer for the School Year |
Important School Dates
School Start Date:
Meet-the-Teacher Night:
Open House:
Supply Drop-Off:
Important Reminders
A Prayer for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Heavenly Father,
As a new school year begins, we place every student, every teacher, every parent, and every school into Your loving hands. Grant wisdom to those who teach, courage to those who learn, patience to those who guide, and kindness to everyone they meet.
Help each child grow in knowledge, character, and compassion. Protect them throughout the school day, strengthen families during busy seasons, and remind us that Your presence goes with us wherever we are.
May this school year be filled with opportunities to learn, friendships to cherish, and moments that reflect Your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates