One of the most important things you can do to prepare for going back to school is to organize your schedule on both the macro and micro levels.

On the micro level, as much as possible, each school day should have a routine, from wakeup through bedtime.  Of course, there will be some variation based on after school events or homework levels, but having a basic pattern to the days gives structure and prevents dithering about what to do next: homework or chores.

On the macro level, it's helpful to have a large calendar in a central place.  It can be electronic or paper, as you wish, but everyone's personal calendar should synch from this central one.  As kids begin school, you'll get notices about dates and events.  Putting them on the calendar immediately helps to ensure that you don't forget to find child care on that teacher in-service day in March and that you try to avoid a work trip the day of parent-teacher conferences.

Keeping the tasks in order makes for well-ordered days and a smoother transition to the school year.