It's time to go back to school

With school starting this week for many in our region, most parents and students have likely completed at least a portion of their back to school shopping. Summer went too fast! For many, back to school means a new backpack, crayons, paper, shoes, lunchboxes and clothes.

Looking ahead at the upcoming school year, student success remains a priority for school administrators, teachers and parents. However, as parents, we must remember that our students' success rate does not depend solely on school staff. Parents play the largest role in the successes of their students. Parents can help their children achieve success in many ways. Several ways parents can help take very little time and should be a part of the daily routine anyway.

Guarantee your child is prepared for school the following day by assuring their homework is complete. Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time and gets plenty of sleep. Most importantly, provide a well-rounded diet for your student. It's hard to learn when you are hungry. There is no reason to be hungry since most school districts guarantee all students are fed a nutritious breakfast and lunch by providing free and/or reduced breakfasts and lunches every school day.

Show interest in your child's education by attending school events, volunteering at the school or attending school board meetings. The more you know about your child's school the more aware you are as both a citizen and a parent.

Even if you completely disagree with your child's teacher or an administrator, never badmouth that individual in front of your student. Bad mouthing fosters negativity. Having a positive outlook creates successful results.

It is important parents form partnerships with their school districts to secure the future of our communities - some of our children might be living and working here for years to come. Children do grow up. Hopefully, in 20 years, we will be happy that we all worked together and are proud of the end result.