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Top 5 Ways to Prep for the First Day of School—Without Breaking a Sweat

Simplify back-to-school prep with 5 easy tips from setting up meal payments in LINQ Connect to fun first-day traditions.

Intro: Real Talk

We’ve all been there: it’s the night before school starts and suddenly the backpack’s missing, the water bottle is in the dishwasher, and someone needs 48 glue sticks tomorrow.

Back-to-school season is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be pure chaos. With these 5 simple (and sanity-saving) tips, you can make the first day of school smoother for everyone—with a little help from LINQ Connect.

1. Get Organized Early-ish

  • Lay out backpacks, outfits, and meal ideas a few days before
  • Download free printables from the LINQ Connect site—like a First Day of School Sign or Reading Tracker

Think of it as future-you saying thanks.

2. Handle Payments Before the Bell Rings

Make life easier before the first-day frenzy hits. With LINQ Connect, you can:

  • Download the LINQ Connect App in the Apple Store & Google Play Store
  • Register your student – it takes a few clicks
  • Add funds to their meal account (no more last minute scrambling)
  • Set up Auto Pay or turn on low balance alerts
  • Apply for meal benefits (without the mountain of paperwork)

It’s one less thing to stress about before the first bell.

Need a quick start?

Visit the Family Resource Hub for how-tos and helpful walkthroughs.

3. Create a Family Countdown

Turn the back-to-school countdown into a mini adventure:

4. Practice the Routine

Try a “dress rehearsal” the week before:

  • Wake-up alarms
  • Breakfast
  • Getting out the door

Bonus: Fewer first-day meltdowns for everyone!

5. Take Care of You, Too

This is your moment, too.

  • Have a peaceful coffee
  • Queue up your favorite playlist
  • Give yourself grace—this day is big for you, too

You’ve Got This

Perfect? Nah. Prepared? Totally. And with LINQ Connect, you’re one step ahead.