Welcome back! We are eager to welcome students, staff, parents and the Westerville community to the 2015-2016 school year. The start of the year is always an exciting time full of limitless possibilities. For parents and students, I thought I'd pass along a few tips to help get the year started on the right foot.
I am very fortunate to work along side incredibly talented teachers and dedicated staff members. I'm also very pleased that the entire administrative team in each secondary school will return in tact this school year! That's critical for continuity of leadership and comfort in familiarity with students, teachers and parents. The principals of our middle and high schools are:
Blendon Middle School - Kendall Harris
Genoa Middle School - Carrie Trusley
Heritage Middle School - Joe Kacsandi
Walnut Springs Middle School - Becca Yanni
Westerville Central High School - Todd Spinner
Westerville North High School - Kurt Yancey
Westerville South High School - Steve Andersson
Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
Each school's website can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding links above. It's critical to establish communication with teachers, administrators, counselors and support staff right from the start of the year. Our websites offer a wealth of information designed to assist and enhance your experience with your student's school. There are many added links on each site that will take visitors to different departments, forms and information, handbooks, schedules, etc. Each staff member has an email address accessible from the websites and most have established web pages to further ease communication with students and parents. Many of our school buildings and teachers communicate through newsletter subscriptions, Twitter, Facebook and other media outlets to ensure parents are always up-to-date with what's happening. Another great tool that many teachers use to communicate with students and parents is "Remind" (formerly Remind 101). It's a great way to receive regular text messages from teachers about assignments and upcoming class events.
All A's
When I was a principal, I used to talk to students about the "All A's" of school: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Activities, Attendance, Attitude (which collectively create a great Atmosphere!). First and foremost with Academics - early in the school year, each school will have a "Curriculum Night" where parents can meet teachers and get summary information on the objectives and activities of each course on their student's schedule - and how to stay connected. Another critical piece is the Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, parents can view students grades and assignments online. If your Parent Portal account is not yet set up, or access information is forgotten, that information can be retrieved or an account can be set up from the student's school office. It is also well researched and documented that when a student is involved in the Arts (visual and performing), Activities (such as clubs, volunteering, and other student groups), and/or Athletics - Attendance is higher, Attitudes toward school are more positive, which together results in greater Academic success! So make sure students get involved!
Parent Tips
Right from the start, whether your student is just starting his or her secondary experience in grade 6, or is a senior with an eye on the future beyond high school, it's important to establish productive routines for students to be ready to learn each school day. This is nothing new, but adequate sleep and nutrition, as well as regular homework patterns, are vital to ensure students are at their best. Having both an active middle and high school student myself, I know how hectic each day can be! Equally important are the many "dinner table" conversations about the hopes and dreams of your student. I know that may sound whimsical, but those conversations go a long way in helping you guide your student toward appropriate coursework and experiences over time that very well may result in your child spending his or her life in a rewarding career that fulfills the very dreams you discussed. Don't underestimate those conversations!
Lastly, the United States Department of Education has a handy month-by-month parent tool kit and resource guide to help you get through the year! You can access that by clicking Countdown to School Success.
Have a wonderful start to the year and I look forward to meeting new secondary families and reconnecting with established ones this school year!
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