Welcome Back!
August 2008
Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language
Henry James (1843 - 1916)
One of the comments I hear that I often hear
about our Fairfield is that families and young people are seen ‘out
and about’ unlike so many other communities. It is difficult
to not find a youth group practicing, playing a game, participating
in other activities, attending one of the community activities at
the park, the courthouse, or fairgrounds occurring during the
summer. It is a time for the young people to try new activities and
for some quality family time. The beginning of a new school year is
also an exciting time. For our younger students, it is
exciting to be returning, seeing old friends and making new
ones. For our older students, it may be more of a mix of
emotions. They are getting closer to the time when they will
be leaving the protection of family and community to take on the
challenges of life.
I hope that parents can take the time to talk
with their children regarding the coming year and their ‘after
graduation plans’. Important topics might include:
- Arrangement of a quiet study place and time to study during the school year,
- Review of both student and parent expectations for the coming year.
- Encouragement of participation in student
clubs and activities - these can increase experiences
and knowledge in many ways.
- Encouragement of your older students to take a ‘rigorous curriculum’ - too often students try to take easy classes over classes that are academically challenging. Students that took a rigorous curriculum scored four points higher on the ACT in 2008. This is a significant amount on this college entrance and placement exam.
- Discussion about career - it is
challenging for parents to prepare to assist their
sons/daughters with postsecondary training or college at today prices. Frank discussion with your older student, followed up with information from the middle or high school counselor can assist in career planning.
- Achievement of balance between academic and extracurricular while keeping family time important in the mix.
Hopefully parents have an 'on-going conversation' with their children during the school year. Younger students may need encouraging to build the proper study, eating, and sleep habits while older student may begin to let good habits slip. The distractions in our fast-paced society (such a computers, Internet, and television) have increased, making it even more difficult for today’s students. I would encourage parents to become and remain actively involved in their child’s education and the school support groups such as PTA, Music Boosters, Athletic Boosters, volunteer coaching, or just being a classroom volunteer.
One of the yearly goals of FCSD is to foster good communication
between the school and the parents/homes. Please assist us in
this by contacting the teacher when you have a concern. Often
by working together, we achieve the best for our focus - your
child, our student. I hope everyone had a safe and rewarding
summer. We look forward to serving your children during
the coming school year! Welcome Back!
