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School Leader and Mom of Three’s Reflections on Resetting for Back-to-School 

Stories & Spotlights
Beyond the Backpack

For Carrie Quinn, Executive Director of Cascade Virtual Academy and mother of three, summer is both a little chaotic and entirely necessary. In her household, it isn’t about luxurious vacations or perfectly crafted routines. Instead, summer offers something far more meaningful: Space.

  • Space to rest. 
  • Space to reset 
  • Space to squabble with siblings, learn to communicate better, and occasionally fail at family adventures before finally creating a few magical memories. 

With one child in college, another in high school, and her youngest transitioning from elementary to middle school, Mrs. Quinn has learned to embrace summer as a time for reflection. It’s a season that reveals what’s working, what’s not, and what habits and mindsets are worth carrying into the new school year. 

As the beginning of the new school year approaches, she encourages other families to pause and reflect, not rush. She recommends joining together as a family to reflect and ask questions like: 

  • What did this summer teach us? 
  • What gave us energy? 
  • What left us feeling drained? 
  • What small changes could improve in the coming months? 

Mrs. Quinn emphasizes that change doesn’t have to be drastic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as reviewing the weekly schedule on Sunday nights, prepping a few healthy meals, or staying on top of school communications with a daily email check-in. 

In her own home, the spotlight is currently on her youngest child, who is preparing to make the leap into middle school. It’s a time filled with excitement and anxiety; new routines, new friendships, and an entirely new environment to navigate. 

As a parent, Mrs. Quinn focuses on what remains constant: 

  • Plenty of hugs (get them while you can)! 
  • Following a basic structure. Including taking away the iPad and setting boundaries around screentime.  
  • Following through on responsibilities, even when it’s met with a dramatic sigh. 

Sometimes, that resistance turns into something surprising. One evening, after a particularly difficult bedtime routine, her youngest child said, “Thanks for helping me get to bed tonight. It actually feels good to have a shower and be in bed.” It was a simple moment, but one that reminded Mrs. Quinn just how much those everyday actions matter. Even when children push back, they feel the care that comes from structure and consistency. 

She also acknowledges the challenges parents face, especially with teens. It can feel like everyone else’s children have zero rules and unlimited freedom, but most parents are doing their best to find the balance between fun and structure, independence and accountability. 

It isn’t easy. But it matters. 

Mrs. Quinn encourages families to take stock of what’s working, consider what could be improved, and remember they don’t have to navigate it all alone. Whether it’s reaching out for support, setting new goals, or simply taking a breath before diving into back-to-school chaos, small intentional actions can make a big difference. 

The new school year doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little reflection, a lot of heart, and a strong sense of purpose, families can step into the season with confidence. Carrie’s message is clear: Start small, lead with intention, and know you’re not alone.  

Wishing every family a strong and meaningful start to the school year ahead. 

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