Back to School

As the new school year has begun or is on the horizon for some, please, remember these words. As an educator myself, I promise you, your child is loved and their teacher wants them to succeed in all they do. What is success? My opinion is that when a child feels that their needs are being met, that they are cared for and feel safe and that they are accepted for who they are, well, that's success in my book. This builds confidence and allows them to learn, want to learn, and learn how to learn and to grow!! This may be easier said as the world has changed, continues to change and will never be the same as even yesterday. So, working together to make it a better place is important.

Parents, remember that when you drop your child off to school, please address their needs at home. Their mindset creates the mood for the entire day. Much like us, the difference is that we have coping skills and can change our mindset, a child is learning this. Try not to send them off in anger, hungry or sad. Just my opinion.

When I was in the classroom and we started our day at Circle Time, I asked each and every student how they were feeling today. Were they happy or sad, and we talked about why they chose their answer. Then, they put their name in the happy or sad face cup. Granted, these feelings were just being learned, and many said sad, with a smile on their face trying to decipher the difference. A simple conversation allowed them to figure out happy vs. sad. I knew their mindset coming into the day and was better equipped to deal with any negative behavior.

Give your teachers credit, they deserve it, they work hard, and they are working with you and your child to build a foundation of success.

Give parents credit, too. They deserve it, they work hard, and they are doing their best to raise their child in sometimes difficult situations. To have a foundation, rules and schedules in place is helpful and above all, communicate. All my opinion but feel we all need a reminder, let's be kind to one another, you never know what a person is dealing with.

Wishing you a great, safe and fulfilling school year! Ms. Joni