Back-to-School may get all of the attention, but making good use of these days that end the school year is important as well. Taking a little bit of time now can save you time in the fall, keep life in better order, and maybe even save you some money!

Here are some things to do:

• After the last day of school, empty out all book bags, gym bags, art boxes, pencil cases, etc. You may be amazed at what you find. Discard any obvious trash and store still useful items with your stationery supplies. You'll want them handy when you start preparing for next year.
• Sort each child's school clothes and do any necessary repairs or cleaning. If your child has outgrown the clothes that started the year and has no younger siblings to hand them down, donate them for use by others. Some schools that require uniforms offer exchanges for gently used uniforms. Trading your size 6 for their size 8 can save you a lot of money!
• Sort through papers and art projects to decide which ones you will keep. Ideally, you want to try to get down to a single plastic folder. Keep in mind that scanning and saving digitally may be helpful for some things. And grandparents and godparents may want to choose some new pieces for the refrigerator gallery.
• If your child's school has a summer reading program, make sure that you get the list and make arrangements to purchase or borrow the books. Early in the summer, the library or even a used bookstore is often a possibility. By mid-August, that is unlikely.
• Summer means a relaxation of the daily routine, but not its elimination. Each day should still involve rest, play, learning, and quiet reading. '
• Gather the equipment needed for outdoor play (balls, outdoor games, sidewalk chalk, etc.). As long as the weather allows, some outside time every day — preferably as a family — is a great thing.

How do you prepare for the summer?