You have bought the long list of supplies, and the new clothes, so now it is time to think about what you can do to make this school year great! Sit down and take stock of how you support the hard work that teachers do. As both a former Stony Point parent and an elementary teacher, these are the things that I have learned over the years that lead to a successful start to school.

• Your child’s education is vital…from learning how to be with people to mastering the basics of the world around them. Be a partner in this process…attend events, stay in regular contact with your child’s teacher, and encourage your child to work hard at school.
• Help your child understand that their teacher is the classroom leader. Reflect this respect in your own actions—when you have questions or concerns, approach the teacher thoughtfully and listen to their perspective. Remember, your child’s teacher observes them in a different context. Whenever possible, discuss concerns away from your child so you can provide a united and supportive front.
• Model organizational skills. Maintain consistent morning and afternoon routines. Make it a habit to review homework completion and check your child’s backpack each day. Teach your child to treat their supplies with respect.
• Prioritize punctuality. Arriving on time ensures your child doesn’t miss important early-morning lessons.
• Pay attention to what your child eats at school. Many children throw away a lot of food, so pack healthy options you know they’ll enjoy—and ask them about what goes uneaten. Think about other children's diets as you consider treats for the class.
• Promote independence. If your child is capable of handling something on their own, let them do it—whether it’s tying shoes, carrying their backpack, organizing assignments, or coming up with project ideas. Offer help but let your child take the lead to foster lasting self-sufficiency.
• Support your child in solving problems at school. Model kindness. Kids don’t always have the skills to handle conflicts, so teach them, for example, how to make requests, apologize or receive an apology, or to see things from another’s viewpoint.
• Encourage friendships by arranging time together for your child and friends outside of school. Monitor what happens, but don’t interfere too much.
• Encourage your teacher, principal, aide, counselor, or anyone else who works with your child! The average teacher works long after school is out, grades and plans in the evening and on weekends, and often takes classes after school and in the summer to keep up on certification needs and follow special interests. Your kind word can turn a bad day around!
• Enjoy this time! Before you know it, your child will be off and away, pursuing his or her own interests, and this sweet time will be a memory!

- Tina Stephens, parent of 30-somethings, teacher of elementary school

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