It’s time to get back in the habit of getting up early. Summer break’s over and the 2019-20 school year is starting.

Most jobs don’t offer a “do-over.”

In the working world, usually the routine stays the same year after year.

Not in schools.

In August, children and teachers have the chance for a fresh start, change what didn’t work and keep what did.

There’s a few things to remember to keep the school year running smoothly, and let’s start with teachers.

If you’re only in that classroom to get a paycheck, get out. Retire. Quit. The kids can see right through your tired routine.

They only have one opportunity to be in the choir, learn about world history or experience life as a fifth grader.

Don’t ruin the experience and rob them of an education because you want one more year to pad your retirement check.

Do us all a favor and get out before the first day starts or change your attitude. Kids are counting on you.

Parents, know what’s going on in the school. All schools post events, grades and calendars online. Check those often, keep up and show up all the way to high school graduation.

Elementary open houses are a mad house, but often lonely halls on the high school level.

Those four years at the end of your child’s education are the last chance for you to actively be involved in your child’s life at a time when they’re deciding what to do as they step into the adult world.

Make sure they know you’re interested and involved.

If your child catches the bus, make sure they’re outside on time. If you drive them to school, pay attention to the drive-through lines and what the crossing guard tells you to do.

The lines are long, but they move quickly. Use that waiting time to sing a silly song together or give everyone some quiet time before the day begins.

Don’t start the day with a what-to-wear argument. Choose two outfits the night before, even if your child wears uniforms.

For kids, there is a big difference between the blue shirt and the red shirt. Put out two outfits before they go to bed and, in the morning, let them choose which one they want to wear.

Teens are old enough to make their own choices, but check their backpack and make sure that somewhat risqué T-shirt isn’t tucked down in the bottom. Yes, your kid will do that.

Make sure there’s a designated place and time for homework. That could be after dinner at one end of the kitchen table, but make sure your son or daughter understands homework gets done before goof-off time.

Everybody’s tired after a long day. But if you don’t make academics a priority, why should they.

Put down your cell phone and pay attention to your child. Those emails, Facebook posts and video games can wait. When you’re on your cell phone during family time, you’re telling them the phone is more important than they are.

I never thought I’d include knowing where to go in case of a school shooter and knowing the signs of a potential shooter would be on my back-to-school checklist.

But they are. Make sure your child knows it’s okay to report bizarre behavior, bullying in any form and to tell you if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe at school.

If your child does express concern, go to the school administrators and make sure the situation is handled early and promptly.

Most importantly, try to not miss the year. Yes, you have obligations, you’re exhausted and you need a break.

Forgive yourself if your best isn’t what you’d hoped and, just like as school starts over every year, every day is a chance to start over.

So pay attention and bravely face the hordes of frantic shoppers on the crowded back-to-school aisles.

You got this.

This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.