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Elementary News
September, 2006
A
Checklist to Building Responsibility
Make
Sure Backpacks Aren't Too Heavy
Attendance Matters!
A Word From the
Director
A Checklist to Building
Responsibility
Sometimes, just getting your child up and out the door is a big challenge.
So you don’t want to arrive at the bus stop to discover he has forgotten
homework, a library book or lunch money. Why not create a checklist and
post it on the door? Have your child read it over before he walks out the
door so he knows he has everything he needs. Here is some of the
information you will want to include on your list:
 What time does school start (or the bus arrive at the bus stop)?
What time do you have to leave home to arrive at school or the bus stop on
time?
Is lunch (or lunch money) in the book bag?
Has homework been placed in the book bag?
Does your child take medicine at school? Does the school have a supply on
hand?
Does your child have all necessary supplies?
Does your child have your daytime phone number?
Does the teacher need any papers signed by a parent? Are they in the book
bag?
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Make Sure Backpacks Aren’t
Too Heavy
A backpack full of books and supplies can weigh your child down. That
may lead to neck strain, shoulder pain or a backache. The heavy load could
lead to chronic posture and back problems, and possibly missed days from
school. Take these precautions:
þ
Weigh your child’s backpack. Have her fill it as she normally would. The
rule of thumb is that the backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 15 percent of
your child’s weight. So if your child is 60 pounds, the backpack should
weigh nine pounds or fewer.
þ
Make sure you child isn’t carrying more than necessary. She should check
with her teacher if she’s not sure.
þ
Show your child how to pack for comfort: Place heavier items - large books
and binders - close to her back.
þ
Make sure your child puts the backpack on correctly, with both straps over
the shoulders. Teach her how to adjust the straps so they fit snugly.
þ
Notice how your child stands and walks with the backpack on. She should be
able to stand up straight, without leaning right or left, back or forward. )
Watch for signs of trouble - red marks where the straps might cut into her
shoulder or complaints of pain in her back, neck or shoulders.
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Attendance Matters!
Today
was an important day in Mrs. Smith’s classroom. She began to teach long
division. Madison wasn’t there. She didn’t show up at school until after
lunch.
Does
attendance really matter? Absolutely. Research clearly shows a link
between being in school and doing well. Students who miss school fall
behind. Over time, that increases the chances that they may drop out of
school. When your child wakes up with a fever of 102 degrees, she needs
to stay home. But sometimes kids miss school for things that could easily
be avoided. Here are some of the top reasons for school absences, along
with ideas on how to avoid them:
Child can’t get up. Kids need more sleep. But don’t let your child
sleep in the morning. Instead, put her to bed earlier at night.
Doctor’s appointment. Ask if the doctor will see your child outside
of school hours.
Child needs to help at home. If you work and need childcare, be
sure you make a backup plan for the times when your regular sitter can’t
come. It’s not fair to your older child to keep her at home.
Can’t get organized. Take a few minutes at night to prepare for the
next day. Lay out clothes. Pack your child’s lunch (or give her lunch
money).
Child doesn’t want to go. Talk with the teacher. See if there are
issues you can resolve together. But make it clear that your child will go
to school each day.
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Greetings from PCN
Wow! It seems we were
just looking forward to summer vacation, and now we’re heading back into
the classroom. Where did the summer go? I hope you and your family found
time to enjoy the slower pace and longer days of the past few months.
Students are excited and nervous about starting a new school year. You
can help by remembering to listen, encourage and guide your child through
the ups and downs. Make an extra effort to meet teachers and school
staff, find out what school volunteer opportunities will fit with your
family schedule and plan on attending as many school functions as you
can.
The start of a new school year also provides a wonderful opportunity for a
fresh start at home. Enjoy more meals together, schedule some family fun
time, and talk to your children. They are listening (and watching!) even
when you don’t think they are!
Welcome Back!
Darcy Jensen and the PCN Board
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