Atlanta Community Management Blog

Schools in Session: 5 Back to School Concerns for the Involved Community

System - Sunday, August 28, 2016

1. Clean-Up:  Once students are back in school, Board Members should begin discussing cleaning up and repairing areas that were heavily used during the summer. Some of these areas can include parks, pools, and general recreation areas. During this time, consider hiring a general handyman to repaint and tighten the bolts on playgrounds, a pool company to make sure the community’s pool liner and sidewalk is still in good shape, and making sure the grass or sod in open areas is not bare or damaged. Scheduling these tasks while students are at school will help cut down on time needed to make these essential repairs and will be a blessing by the time the busy season for these areas comes around again next year.

2. Traffic Jams: At the beginning of the school year it often seem like everyone has forgotten how to drive! Consider posting or emailing a schedule to all community members reminding them of the school opening dates and times so everyone can plan their commute accordingly. This will not only help the students transition effectively back into their school-year schedule, but will also help those who have an early morning schedule to get to work or appointments on time as well.

3. Walking Safety: Whether your student takes the bus or walks a short distance directly to their school, it is important to establish a safe walking route to keep them out of traffic and danger. Remind your students that they should always be aware of their surroundings and that using a mobile device while walking, whether it’s for music or #PokemonGo, is extremely dangerous.

4. Childcare: Many parents work past the time that school aftercare programs close. Consider accumulating a list of baby-sitters or aftercare programs for those parents and posting in a common area or community website.

5. Study Club: Consider hosting a daily or weekly study club for students in the community. Not only will this help with their grades, but will also increase their sense of community and comradery among their neighbors.

Post By: Sarah Scott

sarah@tolleycm.com