The school buses are rolling, backpacks are packed, and lunchboxes are filled. Back-to-school season has officially arrived! Each new school year is more than just another day—it’s a milestone in your child’s story and a chapter in your family history. These are some back-to-school memories worth capturing and preserving, because years from now, they’ll tell a story of growth, change, and tradition.

If you don’t have school-age children, you can still join in the fun! Take a moment to write down some of your own school memories or reflect on when your kids were younger. Pair those stories with any school photos you have from that time to create a meaningful glimpse into the past.

Here are some of the best back-to-school traditions to capture and keep:

The Classic First-Day-of-School Photo

Every family has their own version of the “first-day-of-school” picture, and it’s a tradition worth keeping alive. Try:

• Taking the photo in the same spot each year (front porch, under a favorite tree, by the bus stop).

• Including details like the outfit, backpack, or a sign with the grade/year.

• Consider using the same sign each year with details like age, grade, or teacher—but use caution when sharing online. Avoid posting identifying information publicly on social media. For a reusable option, metal prints or tabletop panels work beautifully as dry-erase boards and can be updated and enjoyed year after year.

Capture Everyday School Moments

It’s not just about the first day—sometimes the everyday routines hold the most meaning. Capture:

• The morning routine (breakfast, walking to the bus, carpool line).

• After-school moments: snacks, homework corners, or playing with friends.

• Extracurricular activities like sports, music lessons, or clubs.
  These candid snapshots bring color and authenticity to your school traditions and family history.

Preserving Schoolwork & Artwork

Instead of keeping every paper, focus on the highlights:

• First report cards, essays, or special projects.

• Awards or certificates.

• Artwork that shows their creativity.
  Digitize schoolwork by taking photos or scanning it, and save everything into a dedicated album in your FOREVER® account labeled by school year. This way you can preserve school memories without the bins of paper clutter.

Family History Connections

Back-to-school season is a wonderful time to connect generations:

• Compare kids’ school photos with those of parents or grandparents at the same age.

• Share stories about favorite teachers or school traditions in your own childhood.

• Digitize old class photos or yearbooks and keep them safe for future generations.
  These comparisons and stories add depth to your family history and help kids see themselves as part of something bigger.

Fun Traditions to Start

It’s never too late to add a new back-to-school tradition:

• Back-to-school interview: ask the same questions each year (“What’s your favorite subject? What do you want to be when you grow up?”).

• Record a short video on the first day, capturing their excitement or nerves.

• Celebrate the end of the first week with a family treat and group photo.
  These traditions create continuity and joy that your kids will look forward to each year.

Back-to-school is more than just pencils and paper—it’s a chance to mark growth, celebrate new beginnings, and strengthen family traditions. Start small: one photo, one story, one memory saved. Over the years, these simple acts add up to a powerful legacy.

And remember—your FOREVER® account can be the safe, permanent place where all of these school memories live. From digitizing old prints to preserving this year’s first-day-of-school photos, FOREVER® makes sure your back-to-school traditions will be enjoyed for generations to come.