Back to School...One Step at a Time

There is something about the beginning of a new school year that brings a mix of emotions.

For some children, it is excitement. New teachers. New friends. New opportunities.

For others, it is uncertainty.

For families affected by childhood cancer or another serious medical condition, "back to school" can mean something entirely different. School may not look the way it once did. Bodies may have changed. Energy may be different. Hair may be growing back—or not. There may be medications to take, appointments to attend, or treatments that interrupt the school week. Sometimes, simply walking back through the front doors of school can feel like one of the biggest challenges of all. Sometimes we need to put in-person learning on pause.

And that's okay.

One of the things I have learned is that school is different for everyone. There is no single "right" way to return, and there is no timeline that says you have to feel ready just because the calendar says it's August or September.

Sometimes our feelings tell us something important.

Maybe you're worried about what people will say.

Maybe you're wondering if your friends will treat you differently.

Maybe you're nervous about falling behind academically.

Maybe you're simply exhausted before the first bell even rings.

Those feelings deserve attention—not judgment.

One of the greatest strengths we can have is the willingness to ask for help.

Fortunately, you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

Many students benefit from supports such as a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to help ensure they have the accommodations they need to be successful at school. For others, a temporary plan, home instruction, or a modified schedule may be the right fit while treatment or recovery continues. Every child is different, and the best plan is the one that meets your family's unique needs.

If you have not yet connected with the Hospital School Program at the medical center where you receive treatment, now is a wonderful time to do so. Hospital school teachers are experts at helping families navigate school transitions, communicating with school teams, coordinating educational supports, and advocating for students throughout treatment and recovery. They understand that education is about much more than grades—it's about helping children remain connected to learning, friendships, and a sense of normalcy.

As children prepare to return to school, parents often carry questions of their own.

Should we tell the class about the diagnosis?

How much information should we share?

What if my child is anxious?

What if classmates ask difficult questions?

What if they don't ask anything at all?

These conversations rarely have one perfect answer, but they become much easier when you don't have to have them alone.

At Ukandu, we believe that connection is one of the most powerful forms of support.

Whether that support comes from your child's school team, your healthcare providers, family, friends, or other parents who have walked a similar path, leaning into your support network can make an overwhelming transition feel just a little more manageable.

The Loft was created with exactly these moments in mind.

Sometimes families need a place to think through options, talk with someone who understands, build confidence before returning to school, or simply process the emotions that accompany another season of change. Whether through behavioral health services, support groups, family programming, or simply connecting with others who "get it," you don't have to navigate these transitions alone.

Going back to school doesn't mean everything has to go back to the way it was before.

It simply means taking the next step.

One conversation.

One classroom.

One new friendship.

One brave morning at a time.

Because courage isn't always found in doing something without fear.

Sometimes courage is simply showing up—even when things feel different than they used to.

And that is more than enough.

Resources

• FACT Oregon – Advocacy, education, and support for families navigating special education and disability services. factoregon.org
• Hospital School Program (Multnomah Education Service District) – Available to patients receiving care through Randall Children's Hospital and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, providing educational support, school coordination, and transition planning.
• Your Local School District – Ask about 504 Plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), school counseling services, nursing supports, and transition planning.
• The Loft at Ukandu – Behavioral health services, family support, consultation, groups, and resources to help children and families navigate school, treatment, and life beyond cancer.