Welcome Back to School

As we turn the calendar to the month of August, it usually prompts the idea of returning to school for parents and students.  The 2014-2015 school year will begin on August 19^th for students in the Garfield School District.   Many parents have told me, it will be nice to start school because we need to be back on a schedule.  Regardless of how you look at it, school does provide us with structure and schedule during the school year.  Some students may say they don’t want school to begin, but most parents welcome the beginning of a new school year.  I would like to pass along a few suggestions to help your students prepare for the first day of school.  First, try to have your students on a schedule reflecting the time for bedtimes and mornings similar to school start times.  Student’s sleeping patterns can be a major factor in determining your student’s ability to concentrate and be successful in the classroom.   If your student is worried about their new teacher or classes, please take them to the school to visit with their teacher before the start of school.  Introduce them to their teacher and show them around to alleviate their fears such as where their desk will be located, restrooms, lunch rooms etc.  Teachers will be in their classrooms on August 18^th which will help facilitate in this process.  By taking a few simple steps, parents can ease some of the concerns and anxiety associated with the first days of school for students.   Please take time to write your students’ names on personal belongings such as jackets, backpacks, and lunch boxes.  Please also visit with the school secretary or log into the student’s SIS account to check for up-to-date contact numbers and emergency contact information in your student’s file.  It is also helpful for parents to enter their personal email accounts into the SIS system, thus allowing teachers to convey valuable information to parents.  The Garfield School District and teachers have worked very hard this summer to ensure a positive learning environment for all of the students in the District.  We welcome you to the beginning of a wonderful school year.

–Superintendent Ben Dalton