2023 School Year Kick-Off (A love letter to our kids)

Dear Kids,

As we approach the start of a new school year, we want to take a moment to let you both know how incredibly proud we are of you. You have shown resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic over the past year, and we couldn't be more impressed with the young men and lil lady you've become.

Transportation

This year brings some changes in your schedules and how you'll be getting to school. [KID 2], you are now a high school freshman, and your school day will start at 9:05 am and end at 4:35 pm. When you are at [HOUSE 2], be ready to leave the house by 8:30 am, and you'll be picked up from school in the afternoons during those weeks. On the weeks when you are at [HOUSE 1], you'll need to leave the house at 8:30 am to catch the city bus, and you'll also take the bus home.

[KID 1], your school day starts at 9:05 am and ends at 4:35 pm, unless you have band commitments. Plan to leave the house at 8:30 am each morning. Once you start driving, please be responsible and consider taking your brother to and from school whenever possible.

[KID 3], we’ll take you to school, so don’t you stress little one. We promise to blast Taylor and Harry on the way.

Lunch

Boys, you may either bring lunch or purchase lunch each week. AP, If you choose to buy lunch, you will be given a lunch allowance of  $25/week and be responsible for budgeting it properly so that you don’t run out of cold hard cash on Wednesday. You may leave campus every day, but anything beyond the $25 is your responsibility. You will both have long days, so please make sure you are packing or buying healthy lunches and will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. .

[KID 1], now that you have the freedom to leave campus for lunch. Don’t do silly things. Be back on time. Be responsible.

[KID 2], DO NOT LEAVE CAMPUS.

[KID 3], mom and dad will pack your lunch, but you need to let us know what you don’t like so we can make sure to switch it up. Don’t eat anyone else’s food kiddo, dairy is bad news for your little body.

Bedtimes

With the new school year, bedtimes will be adjusted to ensure you both get enough rest for productive days ahead. [KID 2], your bedtime is now set at 10 pm, while [KID 1], yours remains at 10 pm.

If during the school year, you prove you can handle school well, a bedtime adjustment could be made. Exceptions in both cases could be made at the parents’ discretion either because of good behavior or because your homework requires you to stay up later. If you need more time for homework, please communicate that to your parents before bedtime arrives.

As always, bedtimes are exact. So please have your stuff handled and be in bed on time.

[KID 3] your bedtime will remain 7:30. Don’t try and negotiate. Resistance is futile.

Chores

Chores are still a part of your responsibilities at home. Please continue to stay on top of them and take care of your tasks promptly. At this age your parents shouldn’t have to ask you to do the same things you’ve been doing for years. Avoid the headache and just get them done.

Keep your rooms clean and organized and we’ll literally have nothing to bother you about. Your freedom is in your hands.

Screen time

Screen time limits are for children, and both of you [KID 2] and [KID 1] are young men. So no screen time limits this year. Handle this responsibility. Remember that screen time is only available after you have completed your homework, chores, and other necessary activities. School first, always.

Homework

Look, we know homework is dumb. We didn’t like doing it, and we get no pleasure from the fact that you will have to do it. But that’s the thing. You have to do it. So please just do it. Ya know, like Nike. Don’t make us chase you about it. We will stay out of your homework business as long as we see you getting it done and that you’re taking the time to do it well. If homework isn’t getting turned in or you are getting less than B’s on assignments, we’ll have a check-in and probably have to change our policies. Then we’ll be all up in your business and probably start driving you insane. Save yourself the trouble. AMIRIGHT!?!

Grades

You both have proven your intelligence and capabilities time and again. We expect you to maintain the high standards you've set for yourselves. [KID 1], as a high school senior, your academics play a significant role in your future endeavors. Aim high and continue striving for excellence.

[KID 2], you’ve got a clean slate, but every grade counts as you march towards college. If you’re gonna get that doctorate, you’re gonna need those As.

Bring home the As, and we’ll bring the dolla dolla bills to your bank accounts. Bring home anything less than a B, and we’re going to have to get involved in your schoolwork.

If you ever need support or face challenges with your schoolwork, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you in any way we can, but we also need you to communicate with us. Don't wait until the last minute if you're struggling; let us know early, and we'll work together to find solutions.

[KID 2], specifically talking to you here. High School is very different from elementary and middle school. You’re going to need to learn how to study in new ways. Please talk to us about your challenges and successes. We want to know what is working and where you are looking for good techniques and strategies. Learning to study now will make the rest of your education so much easier.

Communication

We've equipped you with powerful tools, your phones, to help you stay organized and communicate effectively. Use the Austinites chat to share details about your schedules, schoolwork, and any other important information. Don’t tell one parent and expect that they are going to tell all of the others. The parents will make sure everyone has access to the family calendar, but we need you to be proactive in keeping yourself organized.

This year presents new challenges and opportunities, and we have every confidence that you'll handle them with the same grace and determination you've shown in the past. Remember, we are here to support you in any way we can, but we also trust you to take responsibility for your actions and choices.

Lots of love,

Your parents