Now that you’ve had a chance to meet with your child’s teacher during Parent Conferences in December, I hope that you, your child, and your child’s teacher have come up with an action plan  for how your child can either continue to be successful in school or improve his/her academic learning and achievement.  

   In December, we recognized over 60 students who earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher which means that these students earned all 3s and 4s in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.  If you ask any of these students how did they earn such high marks in school, a few might say school is easy for them, but most of them will say that they do their homework every night; they read every night; they practice math skills every night; they pay attention in class and try to do their best; and they might even say that their parents make them do it!  A child’s success in school is no secret recipe; it’s consistent effort and encouragement that helps a child succeed in school.  I believe that all of our students are capable of earning a 3.0 GPA or higher when all of these ingredients are in place.

   So as we enter 2013, we often make this time of year about reflection and resolutions.  Please encourage your child to add some positive habits such as reading nightly instead of watching television, or using technology for learning instead of playing video games.  Now is the time for your child to refocus his/her studies and start the new year strong!  Let’s make this year great!