Education is a partnership, and children are more likely to succeed if they have the support of parents, teachers, and adult mentors. As the nation's children head back to school, here are a few tips to keep them safe and help them achieve:

Avoid chaos and make a smooth transition from summertime to school time by beginning to change the family schedule in advance of the first day of school. Establish routines which include regular bed and meal times.

Have a positive attitude toward education, and let your child know you value learning. Let your child see you reading, pursuing your own interests and developing new skills.

Talk to children about school. Ask open-ended questions and listen to the answers. Your curiosity and attention will make them feel important and spark their enthusiasm for learning.

Establish a set time for homework, and if possible, create a homework area.

Establish and maintain a relationship with your child's teacher.

Don't speak negatively in front of your child about his/her teacher or school. If you have a problem, address it with the school.

Get to know other parents. They are a great resource for information and support.

Encourage your child's natural curiosity and interests through extracurricular activities.

Celebrate effort and learning, not just grades.

Be an alert driver. Be on the look out for kids, and be careful in school zones. Avoid the distraction of talking on a cell phone. Follow traffic rules for school buses.

Don't let your child wait alone at the bus stop. Children on their own are more vulnerable to predators. If you child walks to school, make sure he/she walks with friends and instruct them to stick to a predetermined route - preferably through a populated area. Remind them to obey pedestrian safety rules.

Prevent backpack injuries:
- Choose a backpack with wide, padded straps and a padded back. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and cutting off blood circulation. Padded backs protect against sharp objects in the pack.
- Pack light. A backpack should never exceed 20% of a child's body weight.
- Use both shoulder straps to balance weight. Slinging the back over one shoulder can cause muscle strain and increase curvature of the spine.

Inform the school about your child's allergies and any medication he/she is taking.