Larry Horton,
Dist. 55 Superintendent
School will be starting in a few weeks. This yearly ritual brings with it a mixture of feelings. It brings smiles to the faces of most parents, that is unless you are a kindergarten parent watching your first born head off to school. Students generally look forward to catching up on their summer activities with their old friends and they anxiously look forward to meeting new friends and their new teachers.
New beginnings are exciting and generally positive. However, they can also be very stressful for children. It is very important that the year get started on a positive noteÖit can set the tone for the entire school year. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to give parents a few suggestions that may help get your child off to a better start in their new school year.
1. Know child’s bus schedule and the location of his/her stop.
2. Make sure your junior or senior high student knows his/her schedule. If your child is in elementary school, make sure he/she knows who his/her teacher is and the classroom location.
3. If you are new to the school, contact the secretary or principal and ask for a tour of the facility with your child.
4. All Sweet Home Schools have a “Recommended Supplies and Materials List.” I recommend picking these up at the school or the district office (1920 Long Street) prior to the start of school. I also suggest shopping for these items a week or two prior to the start of school to insure the best selections.
5. All teachers go over class, school and bus rules and expectations the first few days of school. Make sure you review these expectations with your child; it greatly reduces misunderstandings throughout the year. It also shows students that the school and parents are working as a team for the betterment of your child.
6. Attend the “Welcome Back To School” night in September. This is an opportunity for you to meet your childís teacher and a chance for you to hear what the teacher has planned for your child throughout the year.
7. Great years happen when students, teachers and parents are all working together. This happens best when communication is positive and regular.
The Sweet Home School District highly encourages the parent involvement in the education of their children. Research shows that when parents and schools work together student success increases. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or the school principal. I also encourage you to contact me if there is something I can do to help. My office is located at 1920 Long Street and my phone number is (541-367-7126).
I can also be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
I wish you and your child a successful year.