A Note From Principal Danielson
Dear Families and Friends,
As we usher in a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our students, parents, and staff. September is a time of fresh beginnings, and I am brimming with optimism about the exciting journey that lies ahead for our school community.
This year promises to be one of growth, learning, and discovery. Our dedicated team of educators has been working diligently to prepare engaging and enriching experiences for our students. From innovative curriculum enhancements to new extracurricular opportunities, we are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
However, the magic of a successful school year doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives on the strong partnerships between families and educators. When we work together, our students benefit immensely. Your involvement—whether it’s through volunteering, attending school events, or simply staying engaged with your child’s learning—plays a crucial role in their success.
Communication is key. We encourage you to reach out to teachers, attend parent-teacher meetings, and stay informed about school activities. Your support and collaboration not only strengthen our school community but also enhance the learning experience for your child.
As we embark on this new academic year, let’s keep the spirit of optimism alive. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Danielson
Principal
Creating a Smooth Transition: The Importance of Back-to-School Routines
Dear SMS Families,
As summer days wind down and the school year ramps up, many of us are busy with the daily running of work, school, sports, and other commitments, for both families and individual students. One of the most critical aspects of this transition is establishing effective routines. Developing consistent back-to-school routines can play a significant role in ensuring a successful academic year for your child. Let’s explore why these routines are so crucial and how they can benefit both your child and your family.
Why Routines Matter
Fosters a Sense of Security: Consistent routines help create a stable environment, which is especially important as your child navigates the challenges of a new school year. Knowing what to expect each day can reduce anxiety and build confidence, especially if starting a new year in a new building, with new teachers, lockers, classes, etc.
Enhances Time Management Skills: Establishing routines helps students manage their time more effectively. A structured daily schedule can improve their ability to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and downtime, laying a foundation for lifelong time management skills. This goes hand-in-hand for providing a sense of security for what the day will bring next for them.
Promotes Healthy Habits: Good routines encourage healthy habits. Regular sleep schedules, balanced meals, and designated homework times contribute to better overall well-being and academic performance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, in a 2019 report published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, students whose families held to regular routines demonstrated reduced occurrence of adolescent alcohol abuse.
Boosts Academic Performance: A well-organized routine helps children stay on top of their assignments and prepare for tests. When students know how to allocate time for studying and completing homework, they are more likely to stay organized and perform better academically.
Make Time for Relaxation: Ensure your child has downtime to unwind and pursue hobbies. Balancing work and relaxation is crucial for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout, even for us as adults.
Tips for Establishing Effective Routines
Create a Consistent Schedule: Begin by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Have students put their phones on night mode or in another room altogether at night to charge. Consistency in sleep patterns helps regulate your child’s internal clock and can lead to improved focus and energy levels throughout the day.
Designate a Homework Space: Establish a quiet, well-lit area for your child to complete their homework. Include things like highlighters, pencils/pens, extra paper, etc... anything that your child may need to complete their homework or study. This designated space can help them concentrate better and differentiate between schoolwork and leisure time.
Develop a Morning Routine: A smooth start to the day can set a positive tone. Encourage your child to follow a predictable morning routine, such as setting an alarm that gives them enough time to eat a healthy breakfast, packing their backpack, and getting dressed on time. If you find that your child isn't ready to eat by the time they for school, Shelby Public Schools offers free breakfast to all students.
Plan for After-School Activities: Help your child outline their after-school routine, including time for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. A structured approach to after-school time can prevent last-minute stress and help them manage their responsibilities effectively. It may also be helpful to budget in time for preparing for the next day by packing their backpacks and selecting clothing for the next day (not to mention reduce the stress on the next morning!).
Involve Your Child: Engage your child in the process of creating their routine. When they have a say in how their day is structured, they are more likely to take ownership and adhere to the routine.
Making the Most of the Routine
While routines are essential for optimal adolescent development, flexibility is also important. Also remember, however, that occasional deviations from the routine are natural. The key is to maintain a balance between structure and adaptability, ensuring that routines enhance rather than constrain your family’s daily life.
As we start another school year, taking the time to establish and reinforce routines can lead to a smoother transition and set your child up for a successful and enjoyable year ahead. Please reach out if you would like assistance in establishing a routine for your student or your family, as a whole.
Warm regards,
Rachel Dobben
School Counselor
Shelby Middle School
Coming Events
- 9/10: Student Council Applications available in the office
- 9/15: First day of Hispanic Heritage Month
- 9/18: Picture Day
- 9/27: 6th grade curriculum trip to Gale's Pond
- 10/3 Title IA Family Night
- 10/14: No School/PD Day
- 11/1: End of MP 1
- 11/7 & 11/12: PT Conferences
- 11/27-29: No school Thanksgiving
As we start the new school year one of the first things that comes to mind is getting our children to and from school safely. Many of our students here at Shelby Public Schools walk to school or wait at bus stops at various locations. One way we can help our children be safe is to teach them to be aware of their surroundings. This is typically called Situational Awareness. When we are aware of our surroundings, we become more alert to what is happening around us. Here are some tips to discuss with your children that may help them navigate to and from school safely this year.
1. Limit Distractions: Try not to be on your phone whether it’s surfing the web or having ear buds in your ears. When you can’t hear what is happening around you, or you are looking at a cellular phone, it is hard to react if something happens.
2. Walk With A Friend: If walking to school or waiting at the bus stop, it is much more safe in a pair than being alone. Two sets of eyes and ears are better than one.
3. Choose A Safe Route: Choose a safe route to school that is populated and well lit. Avoid walking in alleys and unfamiliar surroundings. Choose a route that has cross walks if crossing the road.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see something suspicious, tell an adult, teacher, staff member, or the police.
5. Don’t Take Rides From Strangers: Never approach a strangers car. If a stranger walks up asking for directions or something that doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t. Stay away from the vehicle and find or call someone you know.
6. Be Aware of Traffic: Be aware of traffic at all times. Look for traffic at all intersections and driveways. When crossing the street look left, right, left, and behind you. Always wait for no traffic before crossing.
When we are aware of our surroundings and alert to what is happening around us, we can react quicker if something does happen. We also may be able to avoid a potential problem before it happens if we are paying attention to our surroundings.
As we teach our children to become situationally aware, it will help them have a much more safe and enjoyable school year.
Go Tigers!!!
