Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group Helps Makes Going Back to School Easier

COURT HOUSE – Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family and Community Health Sciences’ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group met Aug. 16, 2017 at  Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County for their annual Back to School Bash.
The program, that focuses on helping Grandparents and their Grandchildren’s transition to the new school year a little easier,  included a special back to school activity for the children and provided grandparents with helpful information as they prepare for the new school year. Marilou Rochford, Family and Community Health Sciences Educator, said,  “It is important when preparing our children for the first day of school to plan ahead. Children take their cue from who is at home. If you are calm, reassuring, optimistic and supportive, children will feel both confident and competent.”
Guest speaker, Monica DiVito, Guidance Counselor, Dennis Township School District, discussed a number of topics including the importance of attending back to school night, the importance of communication, staying informed, being involved, homework expectations, helping your child get ready to learn each day and the importance of being organized.  Additionally, each child made a binder to take home with dividers and tasks to help them organize their school work, dates, homework, goals, contact information etc. all in one place.
The program concluded with each child receiving a new backpack filled with school supplies donated by the Cape May Oceanside Community Club. Rochford added, “The evening proved to be very informative for our grandparents, as well as, fun for the children.  The grandparents also received timely information on immunizations, homework help resources and other topics  to help ensure a successful start to the new school year.” 
The next meeting of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, Setting Boundaries Based on Values,  will meet on Wednesday, September 20  from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. Childcare will be provided for the grandchildren.  A light supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the program will follow at 6 p.m.There is no charge for this program, however, advanced registration is required.  Please call Marian at (609) 465-5115, ext. “3609”  for more information or to register for the program.
Support for this program is provided by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.