Back to School Preparation

It's already that time...time to get ready for the back to school rush. I can't hardly believe it. Fortunately for my son, he doesn't go back to school until after labor day, but next week starts band camp, so the preparations begin. He's also going to be in high school this year, so we're in for some changes. He'll have to get up quite a bit earlier, since high school starts an hour earlier. That should make for some fun mornings soon. I've been thinking of ways to make the mornings smoother. For starters, I decided to make up some waffles and freeze them for quick and easy toasting. Homemade waffles are always better than the boxed kind. And we're stocked up on syrup I got from a local farm. His chosen alarm is a harsh ring, but that's his choice and it does seem to get him right out of bed, so I guess we'll stick with that. I'm thinking showers and shaving will have to be done at night. That will save considerable time in the morning. He likes to get up half an hour earlier than necessary just so he can sit and watch TV to help him wake up after he's all ready. I think we'll have to forgo that tradition and just leave a few extra minutes to linger over breakfast a little. The bus comes at 6:30 am this year, and I don't think he's going to want to get up at 5:30. Though I remember doing that myself in high school when it took me 20 minutes just to do my hair. At least he doesn't worry much about that. :) Also, I plan to have him pack up his backpack and get lunch money ready at night to avoid mad dashes at the door. Any other tips for smoother early mornings?