Moms Talk: Ways to Say Goodbye to the School Year

Once again, the school year has reached a shockingly fast end, traveling incognito under the other things that vie for May's attention. In between sports play-offs, school events, crushing work deadlines and the latest round of strep throat, help your child through the home-stretch by thinking of some good ways to say goodbye to friends and teachers.

Give a gift

Many schools have a Teacher Appreciation Week that runs during one of the last weeks of school. At my child's school, students bring different gifts on assigned days (flowers, cards, food) and the PTA provides a breakfast and lunch for teachers. Even if your kids get to participate in the gift-giving of such a week, chances are you have a special teacher or five that would really appreciate a token of your thanks. Something baked or handmade is always nice, as is a small gift basket with nice-smelling do-dads or a gift card to a favorite shop.

Bring a camera

If you've got an older kid, a cell phone or digital camera is a must for the last day of school. A disposable camera is a great solution for younger children. Send if off to school with him in the morning and you can look forward to seeing the last day through your child's eyes when the shots are downloaded or developed.

Be an autograph hound

Whether your child uses a yearbook, a note pad or an actual autograph pad, encourage her to bring something to school on the last day to collect signatures and end-of-year well wishes from friends and teachers. There are few things like the little thrill of seeing what messages you've collected at the end of this important day.

Make it a great morning

Though it's a low-stress day, or maybe because of it, get your child up early on the last day for plenty of time to eat, dress and collect the gifts and other items that will go along with him. You might also want to get your child to school early to have plenty of time to soak up year-end ambience.

Plan after-school time

If your child rides the bus or goes to after-care, their schedule probably won't change on the last day, but if have the option of picking your child up from school, make extra time. An extra half-hour or so means a chance for last-minute chats with teachers and friends that may never come again, especially if your child is moving on to another school.

Have a special dinner

The last day of school is exhilarating, emotional, a bit sad and, when it's all said and done, probably anticlimactic. Try to ease into the first night of summer break with dinner out at your child's favorite restaurant or by making a favorite meal at home. Present him with a special congratulations card for a job well done as a great capper to a very significant day.