Happy New (School) Year!
Happy New (School) Year!
Although September 6, 2016 will probably not involve confetti, noisemakers, or a ball drop in Times Square, the first day of school is sure to bring the same sense of possibility and level of excitement that we experience each January 1. In that spirit, I would like to wish you a Happy New (School) Year, and encourage you to spend a bit of time talking with your child about his or her “resolutions” for 2016-2017.
However, while typical school “resolutions” might involve commitments like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, or coming up with nightly homework routines, I might suggest one additional “tip”:
Talk to your child about how learning happens.
You might be thinking—isn’t that the school’s job? It is, but we need you to be our “amen” choir. You see, some of our students have a “fixed” mindset when it comes to school. They believe that people are born with basic qualities like intelligence, and they often think that talent—without effort—leads to success.
The truth is, however, that all of our students at NCS are unique thinkers capable of growing as learners. If they understand that curiosity, patience, persistence, practice and pride in using new knowledge are all a part of learning, they get better at it. As soon as students know that learning does not happen all at once, they begin to see how they can master new skills and content through hard work and dedication.
Whether you are a parent of a second grader or a senior, you have an incredible power when it comes to helping your child achieve his or her learning goals. By talking with your son or daughter about how learning occurs, you are guaranteed to see a more confident and eager student as a result.
As we prepare for our first day back, please know how much we appreciate the support you give to our students and to our school. We are blessed to work in a community like Naples, and we look forward to seeing you when school begins again in September.
Wishing you a happy New (School) Year!
Matt Frahm, Superintendent
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