New teacher, new classmates, new clothes, new pencils...the most wonderful thing about the approaching school year is that it can be a fresh start for your child.

Of course, as with any new endeavor, there is also the possibly that your child will be nervous about the many unfamiliar aspects of new year.

And while there isn't as much you can do to help your child once the school bell has rung, with some organization and advance preparation, there are many steps parents can take help their child put his or her best foot forward.

Here are some tips to make the first day of school go smoothly for your child:

Buying School Supplies

Consult your school's supply list. Don't try to "wing it" and guess what your child will need. You should be able to find the supply list on your school's website, and many retailers post supply lists for area schools near the school supplies.

Often the lists will note certain brands of scissors, pencils, etc., and ask for folders and notebooks in specific colors to help your child get organized. After many years of working with children, teachers learn which brands of colored markers dry out quickly and which kinds of pencils get chewed up in the pencil sharpener so try to procure the suggested items.

As much as I love the dollar store, I must advise you to resist the temptation to purchase off-brand crayons, glue sticks and scissors. Crayola crayons, Elmer's glue sticks, and Fiskars scissors are definitely worth the extra pennies they cost.

Don't purchase items that aren't necessary (fancy erasers, the 100 pack of crayons, pencil sharpeners, etc.) as these kinds of objects can be distracting and often turn into toys rather than tools in the hands of young students.

Buy a few extra school supplies to keep at home for use when doing homework.

Don't wait too long to buy your child's school supplies as those items on every local school's supply list tend to go fast, and don't forget to purchase a sturdy school bag or backpack to carry all those supplies.

When you're buying school supplies, pick up a Sharpie permanent marker to write your child's name on all his or her supplies.

Keep your receipt. Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota allow a tax deduction or credit for school supplies purchased. (http://www.ncsl.org/programs/ educ/schoolchoicetaxdeduction. htm)

Buying School Clothes

Like the weeds in our flower beds, children grow at an alarming rate during the summer months. Shoes that fit

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