The new school year is full of anticipation and excitement. New classes, new faces and the possibilities seem endless for the year ahead.
Parents can help prepare their students to return to the classroom, says Superintendent Cindy Marten, by emphasizing the importance of school.
“Build up the excitement about school and talk about what it means to be a lifelong learner,” Marten says.
Next is proper preparation. To get back in the groove of school, the US Department of Education suggests establishing healthy at-home routines for school days, such as consistent waking times and getting-ready patterns. Decide on a regular homework time, and create a comfortable, quiet work space. Set bedtimes that allow elementary-age kids to get 10 to 12 hours of sleep and teens to get 8½ to 9½ hours.
It’s also important to make sure kids have breakfast and lunch to fuel their growing minds. To ensure that all students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch, district programs such as “Breakfast in the Classroom” and “Free and Reduced Lunch” are available to income-eligible families. More information can be found on the district’s Food Services Department page.
When it comes to learning, students who miss school….miss out. They miss out on opportunities to learn, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills and attitudes needed to become good citizens and valued employees. There is a very strong connection between student attendance and student performance in school. Higher attendance equals higher achievement for all students. You can learn more at the Attendance Matters web page.
Parents can help prepare their students to return to the classroom, says Superintendent Cindy Marten, by emphasizing the importance of school. “Build up the excitement about school and talk about what it means to be a lifelong learner,” Marten says.
Next is proper preparation. To get back in the groove of school, the US Department of Education suggests establishing healthy at-home routines for school days, such as consistent waking times and getting-ready patterns. Decide on a regular homework time, and create a comfortable, quiet work space. Set bedtimes that allow elementary-age kids to get 10 to 12 hours of sleep and teens to get 8½ to 9½ hours.
It’s also important to make sure kids have breakfast and lunch to fuel their growing minds. To ensure that all students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch, district programs such as “Breakfast in the Classroom” and “Free and Reduced Lunch” are available to income-eligible families. More information can be found on the district’s Food Services Department page.
When it comes to learning, students who miss school….miss out. They miss out on opportunities to learn, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills and attitudes needed to become good citizens and valued employees. There is a very strong connection between student attendance and student performance in school. Higher attendance equals higher achievement for all students. You can learn more at the Attendance Matters web page.
As instruction gets under way, there will be many opportunities to visit your child’s school to meet the principal and their teachers, and learn about opportunities to get involved. Research shows that students are more likely to be successful when they have parents that are involved. Check with your school to find out when “Back to School Night” is scheduled and if they host other events like “Coffee with the Principal” and mark your calendar. Our PTA partners have some great tips for how parents can be involved on their website.
Attending these events will also help you get familiar with the curriculum your child will be taught. This year will be the first full year of the Common Core State Standards implementation. Teachers and principals can answer school-site and grade-level specific questions while general resources can be found on the district’s website at www.sandi.net/commoncore.
Attending these events will also help you get familiar with the curriculum your child will be taught. This year will be the first full year of the Common Core State Standards implementation. Teachers and principals can answer school-site and grade-level specific questions while general resources can be found on the district’s website at www.sandi.net/commoncore.
We continue to work hard on our Vision 2020 to ensure a quality school in every neighborhood, with academic, social and physical environments worthy of your child. This means greater attention than ever on creating broader measures of student achievement, and engaging parents and community volunteers in the educational process. Learn more at http://www.sandi.net/vision2020.
Rest assured that there are many exciting things happening at your child’s school. Be a part of it. Get involved. Help your child make this year one of the most memorable.
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