Advice on Transitions, Routines, and Independence

Greetings, Coolidge Community!

After two partial weeks of school, I feel that we have eased into school successfully.  Teachers have outlined rules and expectations, forms have been sent home and are being returned, routines have been established, and now the real work of school can begin!  The week ahead marks the first full week of our school year.  It is sure to be a bit tiring and exciting, with homework assignments being given, five days of getting up early in a row, and a Parent Open House on Thursday night!  This can be a week where kids get tired and stressed.  Creating consistent routines at home can help to alleviate stress.  Good routines include when homework is done (and where), setting a good bedtime that allows for a full night's sleep, and being sure to balance fun with work.  It's much easier to start with more structure in the beginning of the year rather than try to create it partway through!

Also, when students are in middle school, parents often have questions as to how much they should be involved in their sons/daughters lives in middle school.  These three years of middle school reflect great development, and somewhere within the three years, it is normal for the boys and girls to resist help from parents and to test out their independence.  While this is completely normal, we encourage parents to remain involved, despite pushback from students.  It is still encouraged to check student work, especially for those who might have trouble completing homework consistently and thoroughly.  That being said, please do not do a child's homework for them, or fix too many mistakes.  Letting them know generally where/what the mistakes are, or directing them to what might need to be fixed, is different than doing it yourselves.

In addition, we often find parents struggling with how many freedoms to give their children outside of school (for example, on early release days).  While these freedoms might change or become more as a child ages, one thing that should remain routine is parent contact.  Please take time to get to know each other, to reach out and to introduce yourself, and to build relationships so that you feel comfortable calling each other when plans are made between your children.  It's encouraged that parents contact each other and work togetether to know where your children are and to work as a community to keep our children safe!

Some weekly announcements:

• After school homework support begins Monday, September 9!  This includes the library (open until 4:00 except for Fridays and early release days); Homework Hangout; and also HPR for 7th and 8th graders!
• Please be aware that Wednesday September 11 is an Early Release Day.  Students will be released at 1:00.
• Slight adjustments were made to the Coolidge Dates of Interest (link above) for the Magazine Drive Kick-Off Assembly as well as for the Winter Concert Dates.
• The Coolidge Comet has been updated.  Please note the addition of a Select Chorus Audition on September 24.

I look forward to seeing parents on Thursday evening!  We will start the evening with a principal/PTO presentation in the cafeteria, followed by opportunities for parents to hear from their student's teachers.  It's a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with the teachers, their expectations, and to also come and see how the building is looking!