how long should parents stay when sending kid to boarding school the first time?

“‘Twas the night before drop-off
And all through our house, not a creature was stirring -
Not even my spouse.
The suitcases and backpack were filled, overflowing
I regretted this decision, the grief I was sowing
Boarding school was starting in just hours away
I dreaded the thought of departure that day

Now @ChoatieMom, @MAandME, @sunnyschool and more
Warned me that drop-off would be an emotional chore
I had moms on speed-dial, and CC on the Pad
But nothing prepared me for being so sad!

After drop-off, I lingered in Connecticut and the City
My friends thought I was crazy, they showed me no pity.
So back up to the school in a week I did scurry,
But found that indeed there was no reason to hurry.

Leaving the first time after drop off, yes that was tough,
But leaving a second time, now THAT was more rough.

Take the tips from smarter parents and you will see
That “drop off is easier for kiddo than me”!

I am new to this process. Happy to learn. So, my DS is to be dropped off at BS on Friday September 6 between 8 and noon. Should we parents assume to help arrange the room, spend some time on campus and leave that same day?
Reality sinks in…

Hello @PurpleTulip15 - it was our experience that the school had parent sessions the afternoon of drop off. You should contact the school to determine if there will be programs or activities for parents that afternoon. This is important to know early on for your travel planning purposes. FWIW, the boarding schools we know of in NE also have a “closed weekend” for boarders that first weekend - meaning, kids don’t go home. We did discover that many parents who lived in the region returned to campus that first weekend to help finish room set up and run errands. This was rather uncomfortable for our kiddo and others whose parents were not around. Best to talk with your parent-connection from the school or speak to someone with your parents’ association. Also, we found later on that information on programs and the “right person to connect with” was also available through the Development Office or Annual Fund parents.