Rachel Pollock is an instructor at Brightmont Academy, specializing in English and Social Studies, with a master’s degree in Psychology from American Military University. With over six years of experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional students, she also advocates for creativity and student voice, earning recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Rachel is passionate about supporting learners, families, and educators in a dynamic world, while maintaining a commitment to academic rigor and social-emotional learning.
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
Rachel Pollock • August 6, 2025
A Smooth Transition into the New School Year
When Back-to-School Feels Like a Struggle
Have you ever been met with hesitation starting a new school year? You have a full day of activities ahead of you and school drop-off is on your way, however; your child feels hesitant or anxious. Establishing a routine to promote predictability is essential for all learners and supports the diverse needs of gifted and twice-exceptional students as they transition into the new school year.
Routines: The Recipe for a Calm Start
Think of a new routine like a recipe for your diverse family’s needs. Easing into task
management through compensation, as suggested by neurodiverse psychologist Ilse Gevaert of SENG, with visual aids supports collaboration and emotional needs. You’ll start by making a checklist. Gather your materials: schedule, lunch, backpack, clothing, shoes, and student handbook. Then, you’ll plan your routine for school drop off. Lastly, discuss and practice, practice, practice.
https://www.sengifted.org/post/bridging-two-worlds-a-guide-to-supporting-twice-exceptional-children
Preparation is key whether you’re talking about the day to come, gathering materials, or checking off the checklist. One key to success is making lunch together the evening before the school day. Another idea to ease stress is to lay out clothes and shoes for the next day before bedtime as part of a nightly selfcare routine. Review the school day schedule together and get the backpack and water bottle ready. Students gain confidence when they know what to expect.
Practice Makes Progress
Practice the routine a few times in advance based on your child’s needs. Turn in devices at least an hour before bed, set your alarm, and practice your morning routine. In Twice-Exceptional Children: From Struggling to Thriving (Laningham, Lim & Wilson, 2023), the authors emphasize the importance of pairing predictable structure with responsive emotional support, noting that daily transitions work best when families and schools coordinate around student strengths and
stressors. Additionally, driving to the school on practice days before the year begins can help ease fears in students. Pre-visit routines empower students and give them a sense of control.
https://brightchildbooks.com/collections/gifted-struggling_twice-exceptional
Preparing for the Unexpected
Even with preparation there can still be tough mornings. Overstimulation from travel, competitions, or digital devices can cause struggle within students. Sometimes it’s just a bad night's rest that causes hesitation to go to school. Parents often feel the pressure around attendance, knowing it is crucial to achievement. Flexible scheduling and partnering with your school in advance can help relieve some of this pressure.
How Brightmont Academy Supports Your Student
The staff at Brightmont Academy have been preparing all summer for new and returning students. The directors, instructors, and administrative assistants at Brightmont Academy are here to help with smooth transitions coming into the new school year. Our supportive staff meet students and families with empathy and optimism.
A Welcoming Start to Every Day
At Brightmont Academy we start the day with meeting the student at the door. Next, we review the students schedule with them on the school calendar displayed at reception. Another perk of flexible scheduling is that if students need a moment of calm or time to socialize before class, we offer a quiet homework studio, and a gathering area in the student center. Throughout the school day instructors and support staff coordinate to supervise student transitions between classes. At the end of the day, which is timed differently for many students, staff prepare students for pickup in the reception area.
A Model Designed for All Learners
Brightmont Academy’s one-to-one model, combined with flexible scheduling and custom curriculum, is designed to meet the needs of all learners -– including those with diverse learning profiles and abilities. Our model prepares students for a bright future!
Sources:
Gevaert, I. (2024, April). Bridging two worlds: A guide to supporting twice‐exceptional children. SENGifted. Retrieved from
https://www.sengifted.org/post/bridging-two-worlds-a-guide-to-supporting-twice-exceptional-children
Laningham, J., Lim, A., & Wilson, K. (2023). Twice-Exceptional Children: From Struggling to Thriving. Bright Child Books.
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