Week of November 3, 2008

Helping Students Grow
Now that report cards are out and first quarter benchmark tests have been completed, it’s a good time to look at exactly what students have learned up to this point. Helping students grow academically is equally important with helping students mature emotionally and socially. I know students at school worry about what other kids think about them. But, spending too much time focusing on how they are going to fit in can be handled by teaching our students the value of a good education. Setting goals, getting organized, and keeping good habits also work in other areas of their lives, not just school work.

One way we are going to help students grow here at Sequoia is to provide learning opportunities starting November 10 that are fun and interesting as well as helpful. New after school programs will help students by creating confidence and success. While some students will be required to attend as part of their assistance plan by attending the homework center, others will want to join the program to learn a skill. The homework center will be for any student who did not complete their homework assignment. Not only does failing to do homework hurt students academically, but we’re finding out it is making their grades go down and making them ineligible for sports. We want students to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. For skills building, we have developed a vocational class for kids that enjoy building small engines. This is a great chance for students to work with their hands and a fun way to learn.

To make all this happen will require parent support. While I do not expect much complaining about helping students get their homework done or providing an auto shop class, flexibility is going to be a challenge. I have already thought of transportation and have arranged for buses to run at both the regular time and again at 4pm for students staying after school. But, I am sure there are other things I missed. That’s where I need your help. Anyone who sees a problem or has a concern that needs to be solved before getting this started should call me to help work out the kinks. Let’s work together to help students grow.