Educators give tips for parents, students as new school year starts
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 1:49 PM PDT
Jennifer Colton Argus Observer
Fruitland
After three months of summer, some students struggle to get back into the swing of things at school, and local Idaho school district superintendents presented some suggestions recently for students and parents to help with the transition.
“Get to bed earlier and study hard,” Fruitland School District Superintendent Alan Felgenhauer said.
School started Aug. 23 for fifth-grades through 12th-grades in the district, and Felgenhauer said he spent the day visiting the Fruitland schools. He said he saw no problems, just registering last minute enrollees.
“The students are all excited to be back and we're excited to have them back,” he said.
For the past three years in the first- through third-grades, teachers have scheduled appointments with parents before the start of classes, with positive results, Felgenhauer said.
“Having the meeting really opens the line of communication,” he said. “I would encourage parents to get to know their students' teachers. Meet the staff if you haven't had a chance to. The better the lines of communication, the better success we have with students.”
Felgenhauer also recommended that parents keep an eye out that students are bringing work home and contact the teachers with any concerns. Pauline King, Payette School District superintendent, also said parents should look at the work students bring home and talk about the school day.
“Most parents probably ask their children ‘what went on in school today,' but that's a really important tool to help children master what they learned,” King said.
Creating a homework routine for each student is also important for school success, and parents should try not to compare a student's work with anyone elses, even a brother or sister, King said. Parents should tell students not to be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from teachers.
“When things are going well at school, tell your kids how proud you are of them. That's a great confidence booster,” she said. “When parents are positive, it really affects the way the child thinks about school.”
King also stressed the importance of attendance and encouraging students to attend classes.
“Teachers can't teach kids who aren't in school,” she said. “We always invite parents to visit the schools, even if they can stop by for a couple of minutes.”
In addition to meeting teachers, staying involved in students' work and setting up a place and time for study, New Plymouth Superintendent Ryan Kerby said parents should make sure students go to school every day and be to school on time.
“Try to schedule dentist appointment and doctor appointments around school,” Kerby said. “Don't take your kids out of school unless you have to. Do activities on the weekend.”
Kerby also recommended students get involved in extra-curricular activities and come to school with a positive outlook.
Weiser Superintendent Jim Reed said parents should read the 10 tips to “achieving a successful start to the school year” at the Web site, http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38698.html.
“I can't say it better myself,” Reed said.
