Make easy transition to school

Pack up your pencils and your lunch boxes; the first day of school is on its way. That first week can be stressful and hectic, but there are some tricks to make the transition from beaches to blackboards smoother.

Patty Grenda, a former teacher who developed a calendar called the “Family Planner” ( www.thefamilyplanner.com), has a list of back-to-school tips for kids and parents.

She recommends that children get up earlier in the mornings about a week before the big day.

Parents should help their kids pick out school clothes the night before, as well as packing lunches.

Caffeine and sugar can inhibit your children from falling asleep easily. Limit intake after dinner.

Bedtime is story time. Sharing a good book can help children wind down before falling asleep.

Designate a specific spot in the hours for homework. It should be well-lit, quiet, and supplies should be within reach.

When children have finished their homework, put it directly into their school bags to avoid losing the assignments.

But before school starts, there is still some summer fun left in Spokane.

Preschool enrollment

Head Start, Early Head Start and the Early Childhood Assistance Programs are now enrolling children five years old or younger by Aug. 31.

The program is free for qualifying families, and classes start in September.

For information, call 533-4800.

Oink

Pig Out in the Park will be held Sept. 1 through 5 at Riverfront Park.

The food and fun starts every day at 10 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m.

Leave the family pooch at home, though. Pets are not allowed at major events at the park.

For information, call 922-5576.

The last of the summer movies

Liberty Lake Pavillion Park is offering only three more movies this summer.

All movies start at dusk, and everyone should bring their own blankets and chairs.

“Annie Hall,” starring Diane Keaton and Woody Allen will play Friday, and Christopher Reeve will star in “Superman-The Movie” on Saturday.

The summer will wrap up on Sept. 2 with Tom Hanks starring in “Forrest Gump.”

For information, call 928-6174.

The Shop, 924 S. Perry St., is offering its last movie of the season Saturday at dusk.

The original cast of the Star Trek television series will star in “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.”

Bring your own chairs and blankets.

The movie is free, but a donation will be taken to pay for the licensing fees.

For information, call the Shop at 534-1647.