A Note From Mr. Graves

September 23, 2024

Tips for a Successful School Year

Organized all day long

Being organized can reduce stress and make the school day go more smoothly. Here’s a checklist that will help. Morning ❏ Show your child how to set an alarm that will wake him up in time to get ready for school. ❏ On a sheet of paper, help him draw or list morning tasks, such as “make bed” and “brush teeth.” Let him post the list where he can see it (say, by his bed or on the bathroom mirror). After school ❏ Have your youngster go through his backpack to take out homework and throw away trash. To store work he wants to save, he might use folders or a shoebox. ❏ Ask him to place papers for you in a special spot, perhaps a basket. Look them over, and sign papers as needed. Nighttime ❏ Before bed, your child should put needed items in his backpack. Examples: completed assignments, signed permission slips, show-and-tell objects. ❏ Suggest that he pick out clothes and choose breakfast foods for the next day. He could get a head start by setting out cereal, fresh fruit, and a bowl and spoon.

How to manage screen time

The goal should be for your student to have enough “unplugged” time to finish schoolwork, be with family and friends, get exercise, and relax. Experts suggest coming up with a plan that suits your family. Think about what your youngster uses devices for. A fifth grader may need a computer for homework, while a younger child might simply play on a tablet. Then, set limits that make sense. Maybe you’ll decide on a half-hour of screen time on school days (after homework is done) but give him/her an hour a day on weekends. It also helps to name times for everyone to stay off screens, perhaps during meals and car rides. Also, consider turning off screens an hour before bed—the stimulation can make it harder to fall asleep. Note: Set aside a place for stowing devices so they’re out of sight. To create a plan, see healthy children .org/English/media/ Pages/default.aspx.

Something to think about.

School Counselor Corner

This month in guidance, students are participating in Start With Hello Week. Classroom guidance lessons will focus on kindness and inclusion. Your student will be able to tell you at least 3-5 ways that they can show kindness and how kindness is contagious.

Please see the flyer and google form regarding opportunities for your student to participate in Skill Building Groups. In addition to supporting our students during challenges they may face, our school counseling program focuses on being proactive and providing prevention services for all students.

If you are interested in having your student participate in one of these groups, please complete this google form Skill Building Groups and Ms. MK (Concord prevention counselor) will be in touch.