As hard as it is to admit, summer’s end is just around the corner, and back-to-school season is almost here. While this time of year can be stressful, there are ways to be prepared and make sure there are no surprises as we head into September.
Lori Belair-Boyle has been working in education for almost 30 years. She explains that she has “been a teacher and an administrator and have had the privilege of working in both the French and English systems, in the elementary, secondary, and adult sectors as well as in the private sector.” She runs a service as an educational consultant called Chez Miss B’s Homeroom, with the goal of helping students, parents, and school employees on their educational journey. “It is my way to help kids learn in a fun and dynamic way,” she says. She offers multiple services: “summer activities to keep up math and literacy skills or exploring new countries from the comfort of their homes, or helping parents get ready for back-to-school or exam periods and [being] the best advocates for their children when collaborating with their schools.”
With a passion for both education and helping others, Belair-Boyle wanted to combine both of those things. Sometimes, parents want to help their kids but are not sure what kind of support is needed. This is one of the areas where Belair-Boyle can help. “Over time, numerous parents have sought my advice concerning their children and their educational journey. Parents often feel overwhelmed when they see their child struggling, and just want to find ways to support their child. They often find themselves uncertain about the right questions to ask, the potential actions schools can take, and the legal aspects involved.”
Through her Facebook page, Belair-Boyle is currently posting different tips and tricks for how to get back into the school routine. “The most challenging aspect of transitioning into the new school year often revolves around reestablishing routines and adjusting sleep patterns,” she shares. Summer is often a time where routines and sleep are more relaxed, and a sudden change can be jolting. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ for routines and sleep, but what is important to remember is that small, incremental changes can go a long way in making this process smoother and has a huge impact on student success from the get-go.” In September, she will also be hosting a workshop about IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and encourages people to keep their eyes peeled for that.
Belair-Boyle offers free 30-minute consultations online for parents who may want to ask questions about how to better support their child in their education. Her goal is to make sure that people know how to advocate for themselves and get as much out of their education as possible.
