What are your thoughts (parents/guardians) about homework at the elementary level?  Please email Mr. Kuxhausen.

Is there too much?  Is it relevant to what a child should learn? Should all “homework” be completed at school? 

Calendar for Second Semester:

January 5, 2012 
Students first day back.  Report cards go home with students.

January 26
100^th Day of School

February 13
Mid-Quarters Go Home

February 20
No School – Teacher Professional Development

February 22
Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00 – 7:00

February 23
Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00 – 7:00

February 24
No School

March 14
Staff, Class Pictures

March 16
Report Cards go out

April 4
All School Picture; Kindergarten & 6^th Grade Graduation Pictures

April 6 & 9
No School

April 16
Mid-Quarters Go Home

April 23
Music Concert Grades 1-4 at High School 7:00 pm

May 1
5^th & 6^th Grade Musical at HS

May 3
Elementary Track Meet at HS Track

May 15
Kindergarten & 6^th Grade Graduations

May 16
Last Day of School

May 23
Pick-up Report Cards – Elementary Office

How to Succeed with School Personnel

No child sails through his or her entire school life without at least a few rough waters.  No matter what the issue, there are some tried-and-true ways to make dealing with problems at school much smoother.

Start with the teacher.  The first step is to call your child’s teacher and set up a phone conference to discuss the problem.  Often, the next step is a face to face meeting at the school, either with or without your child.  Only if the problem is still unresolved should you take it to the next level – a meeting with the principal.

Don’t be afraid.  Educators are in positions of authority; they’re also adults just like you who are interested in your child’s education and eager to make the situation better.  Leaving problems unresolved can be more problematic.

Think positively.  A positive attitude makes it easier for everyone to calmly discuss the issues and find solutions.

Get the facts – from both sides.  Sit down with your child and write down his/her version of the situation.  If it’s a problem with grading or schoolwork, bring along examples of papers to illustrate your points.  Then go through the issues with the teacher and listen to his or her perspective.

Take off the rose colored glasses.  It’s hard to hear a teacher say that your child is having issues in class, but the situation won’t improve unless you understand the teacher’s side of things as well.

Use some psychology.  No matter how frustrated you are, you can make the situation better if you offer positive comments.

Be respectful.  Even if the teacher is “to blame,” it’s important that you and your child behave respectfully.

Decide on a solution – together.  Work with your child’s teacher to come up with a written list of how to resolve the situation. 

Follow up on your end.

Be realistic.  Not every school year will be perfect.  Sometimes, children and teachers just don’t “click”.  But dealing with situations calmly and by focusing on the solutions – not the problems – you’ll be making the best of the year for you and your child.

Report to Parents is presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.