The children come in with new folders and pencils. We hear the squeaking of new sneakers in the halls. Some students are shy, some are noisy and full of stories about the summer, and the littlest ones need to get a hug from Mom at the door. I love it all.
It’s my favorite day because it is filled with promise. It is a time for resolutions, just like New Year’s Day. My letter to our families this week suggests a few “resolves” for parents. Here’s my list:
- Determine a schedule for bedtime and wakeup, and stick to it.
- Set a curfew time.
- By the end of the first week, know the names of your child’s principal, teacher and best friends.
- Update all emergency contact forms.
- Set rules for use of TV, video games, and computers for non-school projects.
- Mark school events on the family calendar, and plan for them.
- Schedule and attend parent-teacher conferences.
- Know your school’s dress code or uniform policy.
- Each morning, check that your child is dressed appropriately and has the supplies needed for a successful day at school.
- Be certain your child is up-to-date on immunizations.
We will continue the focus on reading this school year, and will introduce our Comprehensive Math and Science plan. We anticipate a Facilities Master Plan to be completed this fall, and it will tell us a lot about the steps to take to right-size the district and assure that students are in spaces that work best for them.
Throughout the district, MPS will use PBIS this year. PBIS is a system for establishing calm, respectful school environments. We used it in dozens of schools last year and it helped us cut down on suspensions and classroom incidents. PBIS stands for Positive Behaviors, Interventions and Supports. PBIS is changing everything from conduct in the cafeteria to the tone in the hallways as children pass between classes.
We are doing our best to position children well for their futures. Squeaky sneakers and all!
