For Schools
Back to school.
Back to support.
The start of a new school year brings new routines, new classrooms, and for many students, new challenges.
Anxiety, school avoidance, social stress, and emotional struggles often surface in the first few weeks—when students are most visible and most reachable.
Cartwheel is here to provide support for your students and families.
A Practical Guide for School Teams
Supporting Students
Through Back to School
The beginning of the school year brings excitement, opportunity, and change. This guide is designed to help you notice early signs, start conversations with students and families, and connect the right students to support at the right time.
A few examples of students who may benefit from a check-in this fall:
- Students showing signs of anxiety or school avoidance—frequent nurse visits, reluctance to attend, difficulty separating from caregivers
- Students whose mood, behavior, or engagement has shifted—withdrawal, irritability, emotional outbursts, or something that feels "off"
- Students navigating a significant transition—new school, new grade, recent family changes, or returning after an absence
- Students whose families have shared concerns over the summer
- Students who seem "not quite themselves"—even when you can't yet name a specific concern
Additional Back to School Resources
Guide
Resetting Screen Habits for the School Year
Helping families transition from summer screens to school-year routines — without overhauling everything at once. (Available in English & Spanish)
Guide
Easing the Back to School Transition
Practical strategies to help kids settle into new routines, manage mixed feelings, and start the year feeling more prepared. (Available in English &Â Spanish)
Guide
Big Feelings, Big Reactions
How to support a child through emotional ups and downs — and when big feelings may be a sign they need extra support. (Available in English & Spanish)
Guide
When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Going to School
Understanding what's behind school avoidance and refusal — and how to help a child take small steps forward. (Available in English & Spanish)
Guide
Friendships, Fitting In, and Big Feelings
How to support your child through the social side of the new school year — from friendship conflict to finding where they belong. (Available in English & Spanish)
Worksheet
Getting Ready for Back-to-School
A worksheet to help kids and teens reflect on how they’re feeling about the start of school and what might help them (and you!) feel more ready. This is a chance to check in, and make a plan for a strong start together!
Guide
Top 5 Back-to-School Stressors—and How to Help
Here are five common back-to-school stressors along with simple ways to help kids and teens cope.
Activity Worksheets
Designed to help students begin the year with intention, coping skills, and confidence. Each worksheet can be used on its own or paired with classroom lessons, counseling sessions, or family conversations.
For School Teams
Cartwheel Care Programs
This year, Cartwheel has expanded what's available for students with specific challenges — including school avoidance, screens and social media stress, and intense emotions and behavior challenges. These expanded Care Programs are available for every student in your district, in addition to therapy, parent guidance, and family support.
Parent Resource
When Back to School Feels Hard
Not every child hits their stride right away and it can be hard to know whether what you're seeing is a typical adjustment or a sign your child needs more support. This resource walks parents through what's expected, what to watch for, and when it may be time to reach out for help. (Available in English &Â Spanish)
Webinar Replay
When School Feels Hard: Understanding Anxiety & Avoidance in Kids
Cartwheel hosts free monthly webinars for parents, caregivers, and school staff throughout the year. We recently hosted Chinwé Williams, PhD on what's driving school anxiety and avoidance in kids, when it may signal a need for additional support, and practical strategies to help children feel more confident, connected, and ready to learn.
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Connect Students to Care Early
The first few weeks are when students struggling with the transition are most visible—and easiest to reach. Acting early means more students get connected to the care they need before things escalate.
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If you’re noticing a student who could benefit, now is the right time to refer them:
Refer a Student
Refer a student directly here—or reach out to a student support staff member to make the referral.
Share the Family Interest Form
Families can reach out directly for support here—every submission is reviewed and approved before anyone is connected to care.
