Can you believe the school year is already wrapping up?
Summer is so close we can almost taste the popsicles- but before we get there, there are a few things to wrap up first.
So here’s your simple, mom-to-mom checklist to make the end of the school year feel a little less chaotic.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click & buy or sign up for a service through my link, I will receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure page for details.
1. Check on School Supplies & Uniforms
Take inventory of what you already have- and what you won’t need to buy again in the fall.
Quick to-dos:
- Go through leftover school supplies and save what’s still usable
- Toss dried markers, empty glue sticks, and worn-down pencils and erasers
- Check uniforms or school clothes for fit and condition- will they still work next year?
- Donate, pass along, or sell gently used items (check your school’s clothing closet or local consignment shops)
- Start a list on your phone or planner of what your child will need next year so you’re ready for sales
2. Wrap Up Projects & Assignments
Final projects and deadlines are in full swing- let’s help them finish strong!
Things to check:
- Ask your child about any final assignments or projects
- Review deadlines or exam dates (avoid scheduling appointments on those days if possible)
- Help them make a simple plan and set aside focused work time
- Make sure you have needed supplies at home (poster board, printer ink, etc.)
Feeling overwhelmed just reading this list? 💛
Start here with my FREE Busy Mom’s Reset Guide instead of trying to do everything at once.
3. Teacher Appreciation Time
It’s been a long year for our amazing teachers- a little appreciation goes a long way!
Easy ideas:
- A handwritten note or drawing from your child
- $5–$10 gift cards (coffee, Target, bookstores, Crumbl, etc.)- check warehouse stores like Sam’s or Costco for deals packs of giftcards
- Something off their Amazon wishlist if they have one
- A small plant, flowers, or treat basket
- Baked goods- homemade, semi-homemade, or store bought
- A group gift with other parents (great for older grades)
4. Get Those Summer Plans in Order
Avoid the last-minute scramble by planning ahead.
To start organizing:
- Finalize camps, classes, or sports
- Book travel or plan staycations- check out How to Plan Your Fun Family Staycation
- Arrange summer childcare
- Add everything to a shared family calendar
- Create a summer bucket list- see 75 Summer Family Fun Ideas
Trying to keep all of this organized without losing your mind?
I created a simple Summer Planner for Busy Moms to help you keep everything in one place.
5. Class Parties, Field Days & Fun Events
Don’t let anything sneak up on you!
Things to check:
- Look for sign-up sheets (paper or online)
- Ask if you need to send anything
- Volunteer if you’re able
- Pack sunscreen, water bottles, cooling towels, and snacks
6. Clean Out Backpacks, Lockers & Folders
This is where you’ll find everything from broken crayons to mystery snacks 😅
Here’s how to tackle it:
- Set a timer and go through everything together
- Keep artwork or schoolwork you want to save
- Toss or recycle what’s no longer needed
- Wash backpacks and lunchboxes
- Store reusable supplies in one spot
7. Prep for Summer Learning
You don’t need to go overboard- just a little structure helps.
Simple ideas:
- Grab summer workbooks- we like Brain Quest
- Join your library’s summer reading program
- Use apps like Khan Academy, Prodigy, or Duolingo
- Plan fun learning outings (museums, nature walks, geocaching)
- Set aside time for daily reading- check out free summer reading tracker printables here
- Also if you have Amazon Prime, you can get free ebooks in Prime Reading, or get Kindle Unlimited and the whole family can access tons of ebooks for no additional charge to read on your Kindle!
Mom Tip 💡: Check out my full post: 30 Activities to Beat the Summer Slide
8. Book Those Appointments
Get ahead of the back-to-school rush!
Schedule:
- Annual physicals
- Dentist appointments
- Vision exams/new glasses
- Any specialist visits
- Vaccinations, sports physicals, and school medication forms with extra medication for the school nurse
Mom Tip 💡: Try booking appointments back-to-back for multiple kids.
9. Swap the Clothes
Time to see what still fits after those growth spurts.
What to do:
- Try on last year’s summer clothes
- Donate, pass down, or sell what’s too small
- Make a list of what’s needed- I love using Google Keep on my phone
- Shop early to avoid sold-out sizes
- Consider a simple summer capsule wardrobe
Feeling like this is a lot to keep track of?
Grab my FREE Busy Mom’s Reset Guide to simplify everything and feel back in control 💛
10. Reflect, Celebrate & Recharge
Don’t forget to pause and look back on everything your child (and YOU) accomplished this year.
Simple ideas:
- Ask your child what they’re proud of
- Write down wins (big or small)
- Think about what worked- and what didn’t
- Celebrate with something simple
- Take time to rest– you’ve earned it ❤️
Mom Tip 💡: Stay organized this summer with my Summer Planner for Busy Moms
11. Get a Head Start on Next School Year
Doing a few small things now will save you a ton of stress later.
Things to look out for:
- Registration emails or enrollment forms
- Orientation or meet-the-teacher events
- Summer transition camps
- Required paperwork (residence, immunizations, etc.)
- Course schedules or requests
Get ahead by:
- Starting a back-to-school supply list early
- Saving school emails in one place
- Adding important dates to your calendar
- Signing up early for sports, band, or clubs
- Planning for school transitions
Mom Tip 💡: Create a “Next School Year” folder to keep everything organized.
You’ve Got This, Mom 💪
The end of the school year can feel like a marathon- but you’re closer than you think.
If you want to keep things simple and organized, grab the printable version of this checklist and stick it on your fridge or tuck it into your planner.
Now tell me- what’s one thing you always do to wrap up the school year?
Drop it in the comments so we can all steal your best ideas 💛
