Neighborhood Expert: Ways to Celebrate the Return to School

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].

I have a kindergartener who returns to hybrid school this week, and it’s a toss-up who is more excited about this actually happening this time. We did the usual trip to stores for snacks, and I have never been more grateful to fight over chocolate-dipped Oreos with a tiny human than I was yesterday.

I am so, so thankful they get to return to school this week (finally). With that said, I’ve been thinking of ways to celebrate the milestone because they’ve missed out on so many of the traditional events.

Here are some suggestions on ways to celebrate the return to school:

• Card My Yard: Whether it’s at your home or at the school (looking at you, PTA), it’s a fun little thing to make a great photo opp or fun walking destination.
• Sweet Treats: What kid doesn’t love an afternoon treat?
  • Crumbl Cookies
  • Nothing Bundt Cake
  • Kiln & Co. custard
  • Ben and Jerry’s
  • Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard (opens this Friday!)
  • Milkshakes at Social Burger or Elevation Burger
  • Pie Gourmet
  • Magnolia Dessert Bar

Also, don’t forget about the teachers. They’ve been working so hard to keep the kids engaged, learning and thriving during this chaotic mess, and supporting them may just be the extra boost they need to keep going!

We’ve asked a lot of them, just like we’ve asked a lot of the kids. While homemade treats may not be the way to go during COVID, don’t forget about Karin’s Florist or gift cards. Teachers love gift cards!