Fall season has begun. As the leaves change colors on the trees, the school climate changes also. Students worked hard to learn the routines, rules, and procedures of a new school year. Now those routines and rules have become second nature and are expected. The first few weeks of school are a review of topics, subject, and lessons learned. Now we are in the midst of new topics, new lessons, and new concepts. New days ahead; new, exciting things to learn.

Parents always ask how they can help their child succeed at school:

• The first thing to keep in mind is that children need to attend school and be on time. Stevens Intermediate School begins at 8:00 a.m. If your student is not sick (fever and vomiting), they should be in attendance. Studies show students who miss school fall behind their peers quickly.  
• Establish a routine with your child for before school, after school, and bedtime. Find what works best for your student when they get home from school. Some students need a break before jumping in to homework. Others do homework better immediately after school. Set a bedtime and stick to it. Layout clothes and backpacks the night before so they are ready to go in the morning. Set a consistent wake up time and stick to it.  
• Find fun ways to practice basic topics. When in a car going somewhere, have students spell their spelling list to you. Or, have students point out two numbers they see and add them, subtract them, or multiply them quickly. Play I Spy with sight words, spelling words or vocabulary words. Give students a highlighter and have them highlight spelling words in newspapers or magazines. Practice flashcards with a game:  they get the answer right, they get the card; answer wrong, you get the card. Who has the most at the end of the pile? Everyone always needs to keep fresh with basic topics. Read aloud to your children or have them read aloud to you. Take away electronic devices at night.

As we move towards colder weather and the four-letter word (snow), a few rules to keep in mind:

• Students go outside for recess unless the temperature is below 15 degrees. A doctor’s note is required for students to remain inside. 
• Students must have snow pants and snow boots to play in the snow.
• Students must go outside for recess and must dress appropriately:  gloves, hats, and winter coats.  

Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8. Conferences are a vital part of your student’s school year. This is a chance to sit down with the teacher and talk about successes, challenges, and concerns. Teachers will have state and local test data to hand out. Please be on time for your conference. If you cannot attend a conference on the scheduled dates, please work with the teacher to find another time that works with your schedule. All parents must meet with their teacher in order to get the first report card. 

Venita Dennis
Principal
L.J. Stevens Intermediate School
(815) 926.1689