September USD 257 Report: Advice for a Successful School Year
by Brian Pekarek
August and September are always exciting months because they represent the start of a new school year. The hopes and dreams of students, parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members are renewed again as school starts and everyone gets a year older (and hopefully a year wiser).
Vision for the school year: It is my hope and desire that the 2011-2012 school year proves to be one of exemplary academic achievement, strong student/parent/community involvement, and high success in our extra-curricular programs at USD 257. It is also my desire that we, as a community, continue to provide support to our school board members, students, parents, district staff, and coaches as they effectively navigate through the coming school year.
Advice for a Successful School Year: Often times, in order to have an effective school year, it is necessary to start the school year off on “the right foot.” As the USD 257 Superintendent, I would recommend these concepts for parents to consider for a successful 2011-2012 School Year:
1. Have your children get at least 9 hours of sleep on school nights. (Research shows that children need more sleep than adults.)
2. Make sure that your children are eating a healthy breakfast each morning before school.
3. Meet your children’s teachers, coaches, bus drivers, and administrators and keep in contact with them throughout the school year.
4. Ask your children about their school work, their teachers, and the school each day when they come home.
5. Section off a special place for the children to do schoolwork at home and encourage them to do the work right after school if possible.
6. Be in contact with the school administrators if you have major concerns regarding the health, safety, welfare of your children as it pertains to the school district.
7. Use the “Chain of Command” whenever possible if there are minor problems or concerns with teachers and coaches. This means that you should try to contact the coaches/teachers first. If the situation is not resolved, then contact the administration. If the situation is still not resolved, then contact your school board members.
8. Encourage your children and your family to be involved in the many curricular and extra-curricular activities that USD 257 provides. (Research shows that students perform better in school and have a better chance of staying away from negative influences if they are involved in at least one extra-curricular activity.)
9. Support the students, teachers, coaches, administration, and board members as much as possible in the public. (Positive pride in the community and school district is contagious.)
10. Thank our local USD 257 School Board Members often (and always) for their leadership to our community, their time that they spend serving us, and their volunteer service for our students.
In conclusion, I would like to welcome the USD 257 District family back to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. We are very glad to share, learn, and grow together as we provide the highest degree of education for the children of our district. From your help, we can renew our hopes and dreams for the future, and successfully navigate through the waters of a new school year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Pekarek
USD 257 Superintendent
