Heading into a new school year:

    The start of a new school year is a very exciting time for most students.  Even the ones that might complain about having to start school again are at least excited to see their friends and catch up a little from the summer break.  As students head back to school, it is very important that they are getting enough sleep at night.  It is always a good idea to begin having students get into a regular bed time and wake up time schedule at least a few days prior to the start of school.  This helps them with the new routine.

    It is sad that we have to talk about school security, but that is simply the world in which we live now.  Each year, we continue to upgrade and add security cameras around our campus and in our schools.  This year, we have added the Buzz-in door system.  This will create some changes for parents and visitors when they come to a school building.  The front door of each building is now equipped with a door bell type button that you will need to push to be let into the building.  The doors will remain locked during the school day.  This may cause somewhat of an inconvenience to some, but it does add to the safety of our students and staff.  Another part of the safety plan includes some new practices that are now mandated by the state.  Each school in Kansas now has to perform 9 crisis/safety drills during the school year.  This is simply a precaution, but is now a mandate from the state. 

    The new school year also means the start of activities.  Whether it is youth soccer, middle school volleyball or high school tennis or football, the amount of extra time needed must be scheduled into the normal school day.  Therefore, it is very important for students to have a schedule to get homework done and still try and get to bed early enough to get the needed amount of sleep.  Parents can be a great help in working with students to lay out a plan.  

    As we start a new year, my hope is that every student, teacher and parent has a great year.  It is very important for parents and teachers to work together to help the student achieve their highest possible level of success.  We all want students to enjoy school, however, we do have standards, which are set by the state, that we have to teach to each year.  Sometimes this causes stress because we are pushing students to reach those standard targets.  Please contact your child's teacher anytime you have a concern.  It is always a plus if the parent and teacher are on the same page and can push from both sides to help our students to reach their full potential.  

    I look forward to another great school year.  If you have any concerns about the year, please contact your child's teacher or the school office.