Back to School, 2008-09

School Supplies

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Dear Parents and Students,

From pens to notebooks, from hats to shoes, it's the time of year when parents are beginning to gear up for the first day of school by purchasing new clothes and school supplies for their kids. If you have kids in school, you're undoubtedly already gearing up for registration and starting to jot down items your child may need. I understand your eagerness to take advantage of sales, set a budget and prepare for the new school year. This is an exciting time of year for parents, students, teachers and superintendents!

I'd like to help you prepare for the first day of school, but we don't publish an official list because supply lists vary according to teacher plans. Individual supply lists will be available at registration.

There are some school supplies you can purchase that are sure to get used:

You may want to wait to purchase items like binders, spiral notebooks and pocket folders until you receive a supply list from your child's teacher. On the other hand, if your student loves that neat binder in his or her favorite color, consider purchasing it for use in a study area at home.

Setting up a Homework Station

Does your student have a space available for the sole purpose of completing nightly homework? If not, you may want to establish good homework habits by setting up a homework "station" -- a quiet, comfortable, well-lit place where your child can go to focus on the tasks at hand. This location should have enough light and plenty of desktop or tabletop space. And, if the homework space lends itself to decoration, let your child fix it up with artwork or posters. Also, keep school supplies on hand in this area -- items such as pencils, pens, erasers, paper, an assignment book or calendar and a dictionary. Once your student sits down to work, he or she shouldn't have to hunt for basic supplies.

Establishing a Study Schedule

Statistics show that students who spend more time on homework get better grades and score higher on tests than kids who don't put in enough study time. Set up a study schedule and try to study at the same time each day -- at a time when your child is most alert. A nightly routine will encourage responsibility and study habits. It also reinforces your commitment to your child's education especially if you involve your child in setting up the routine. Teachers often assign "homework" for younger students just to establish a routine and a sense of responsibility. If there is no assigned homework, encourage your child to read or look at a book. And, when its time for your child to work, turn off the television and stereo and enforce quiet time in the homework area. Also remove distractions and discourage telephone calls during homework time.

Get Involved

Your interest in your student's education is critical to his or her success in school. At the beginning of the school year, ask about the school's homework policy. What kinds of assignments will be given? And, after your child has completed an assignment -- look it over, show an interest and ask questions. Make it easier for your kids to avoid last-minute cramming by helping them determine how long an assignment will take and what resources will be needed. And finally, praise your child for effort. This can go a long way toward motivating a student to complete assignments.

Enjoy your child's enthusiasm for the "back-to-school" season! We look forward to seeing all of our students on the first day of school!

Carol Comeau, Superintendent

H.U.G.S.S. & Coats for Kids Are you're looking to donate coats and supplies or do your kids need school supplies? Learn about opportunities for helping and how to get help here »