Volume 5        Number 1     September/October, 2006

September, 2006

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the 2006/2007 school year gets firmly on the way, I would like to say welcome to all of our new parents and welcome back to all of our returning parents.  It was wonderful to see so many of you at our Curriculum nights; and, with our transition to a K – 4 school completed, we are seeing so many returning faces that it truly feels like a family at KPS.

As we spoke at curriculum night, I would like to remind parents about the importance of being on time for school and staying for the full day.  We are very limited in the time we spend with your child and make sure that every moment counts even to the time we line up for buses.  Please allow your children to get the full benefits of the entire day of school. 

During my reading over the summer I found a list of ten things you can do to help your child succeed at school.   I thought I would share the list with you.  It was “adopted” from WETA Reading Rockets, an organization that deals with reading and learning disabilities.

1.      Meet your child’s teachers:  Let the teacher know you want to help your child learn.  Make it clear that if the teacher sees a problem developing, you want to hear about it.

2.      Attend parent teacher conferences:  Talk to your child beforehand to see if there’s anything he or she wants you to discuss with the teacher.  When you meet, bring a list of questions or concerns.  This is also a good time to hear what the teacher has noticed.    The teacher might know why your child doesn’t like class, for example, or might have advice on how you can help your child learn at home.  Talking with the teacher gives both of you a chance to share information and work together for the good of your child.

3.     Ask questions:  If something concerns you about your child’s learning or behavior, ask the teacher about it and seek their advice.

4.        Find out how your child is doing compared to other students:  Ask the teacher how well your child is doing in class compared to other students.  If your child is not keeping up, ask what you or the school can do to help.  It's important to act early before your child gets too far behind.

5.      Join your school's parent-teacher group:  These meetings give you a good chance to talk with other parents and to work to improve the school.

6.      Help out at your child's school:  There are many ways you can contribute.  If you work during the day and it’s hard to get to school during the day, you can attend ‘family–night” activities at the school.

7.     Make sure your child does homework:  Ask your child each day what he or she did at school.  Make sure your child studies and finishes assignments.  Read your child’s report cards.

8.      Find homework help for your child:  If it is difficult for you to help your child with homework, see if you can find someone else who can help.  Contact the school, after school programs, churches, libraries, older students, neighbor or friend can help.

9.      Learn what the school offers:  Read the information the school sends home.

10.  Apply for special services if you think your child may need it:  If your child is having a problem with learning, talk with the teacher.  They will be able to offer some ideas and suggestions.  If further evaluation is needed they will guide you through.

I look forward to another great school year and as always I am available to answer any questions.