It’s almost the end of the first week back from winter break for Plainfield-area schools — “Back to School: 202,” if you will.

So, do you think all those bleary-eyed kids who got used to sleeping in till 10 for two weeks have adjusted to being back at their desks?

It can be a challenge, teachers and administrators admit.

“Most of our staff will allocate some time … to re-connect with our students by taking the time to discuss how they spent their winter break prior to re-engaging in the academic realm,” says David Travis, Plainfield South High School principal.

“Connecting with purpose means is that we encourage our staff to forge strong relationships with the students they serve.”

But then it’s time to get back to work. 

“To assist the students in staying focused, teachers also create very structured lessons, with very clear guidelines,”  says Jennifer Orlos, principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School.  “It is imperative the students know exactly what is expected of them.

“The students need to understand the structure within the classroom has not changed, while they were away.”

We bet they know that by now. Just five months to go till summer vacation!