The summer vacation period is rapidly coming to an end for Frederick County public school students. The first day of classes is Monday, August 27th. "The first day of school can be very stressful, and we're trying to make things a bit easier for parents and students by providing all of the important back to school dates, supply lists, transportation information, the calendar and links to other information to support our families," says Dr. Theresa Alban, Superintendent of Schools for Frederick County. She says the information students and their families need is at the school system's website, which is www.fcps.org.

While parents are out buying new clothes and school supplies for the upcoming 2012-2013 academic year, Dr. Alban encourages them to get their students ready for school by rearranging their sleeping schedules. "That school schedule is probably different from what the student's summer schedule has been," she says. "So maybe start practicing going to bed a little earlier and getting up a little earlier. So that by the first day of school, you're back into that school schedule routine."

For many parents of children in kindergarten and primary grades, mom and dad may feel a bit sad because their son or daughter is spending more time away from home, a sign that he or she is growing up. But Dr. Alban says parents don't need to worry; their kids are in good hands. "I can reassure our parents and our students throughout the community that we have teachers, administrators, support staff, even our bus drivers, who are so committed to making the experience for our students the best it can be," she says.

And for students who may be feeling a big overwhelmed by everything; perhaps a little frightened by all they see, especially if they're going into a new school for the first time, Dr. Alban says those kids shouldn't feel alone. There are probably other students who are experiencing the same thing. "We have caring adults who understand that," she says. "It may not be a teacher; it may be a counselor. It may be an instructional assistant. There's going to be a caring adult who will help that child and support them as they get through some of the first-day jitters."