Dear Parkway Families,
Happy New Year and welcome back!
When I was young, watching our favorite shows meant sitting through commercials—an exercise in patience we all had to endure. In today’s fast-paced, on-demand world, however, the concept of waiting has all but disappeared. This shift makes it more important than ever to help children develop long-term goals and understand the value of delayed gratification. With instant access to technology and endless conveniences, many young people miss out on the rewards that come with patience and perseverance. As parents and educators, we play a crucial role in guiding them toward these vital skills, ensuring they are prepared for challenges and successes in the future.
Start by encouraging your child to reflect on their interests and aspirations, helping them identify meaningful goals—whether academic, social, physical, or behavioral. Once a goal is chosen, work with them to break it into smaller, manageable steps. These milestones allow them to track progress and celebrate small victories, keeping them motivated. Discuss potential challenges they may face and brainstorm solutions to foster resilience and problem-solving skills.
A tracking system, such as a chart or journal, can further reinforce the connection between effort and results. While your guidance is essential, giving children the space and independence to pursue their goals is equally important. This helps them build self-discipline, responsibility, and a sense of ownership in their success.
By supporting our children in this way, we can help them experience the satisfaction of achieving meaningful goals over time. Together, we can instill the values of patience, perseverance, and the fulfillment that comes from working toward something worthwhile.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our children grow and thrive.
Have a wonderful month,
Suzanne Barbi
This is a friendly reminder to please park in the designated parking lot if you need to exit your vehicle during drop-off and pick-up times. This simple step is essential for ensuring the safety of our community. Parking in fire lanes or bus lanes creates unnecessary risks, particularly during the busy arrival and dismissal hours, when the area is most congested.
We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping these lanes clear for emergency vehicles and school buses. Think of parking in the lot as a chance to get a little extra exercise and help maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the safety of our school community.
The Paramus Elementary Schools are excited to host a special book study for parents centered around The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to better understand the challenges facing today’s youth, explore ways to support our children, and share ideas and strategies to help them thrive.
We invite all parents to join us for this meaningful and insightful conversation. A flyer will be shortly forthcoming.