From the Desk of…
Diana Bourisaw, Superintendent
Holiday Giving Tree a Great Success!
St. Louis Public Schools’ Central Office staff collected over two hundred hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks during the month of December. The contributions served as the “ornaments” for the building’s Christmas tree. The items were then distributed to district students and families served by the Covenant House, Gateway Homeless Services and Hope House. Thank you for your generous donations and for supporting this project. We hope to make the Giving Tree an annual event.
Parenting Tips: Helping Children Succeed in School
Children spend one-half of their waking hours in school or school-related activities. Studies show that children whose parents are involved in their education are more successful in school than children whose parents are not involved. Actually, the degree of parental involvement is a stronger indicator of success than cultural background, the socioeconomic level of the family or the natural individual level of academic capability.
Here are two activities parents can do to help their children succeed in school:
1. Set up a regular study time at home.
Completing homework helps children learn and retain new information. It improves understanding and enhances academic performance. Begin small and work towards the ideal setting.
• Establish a central location.
• Keep the study area quiet and free of distractions.
• Schedule time that best fits with your family’s routines.
• Have your child do their homework before starting other activities.
2. Communicate effectively with your child’s school.
This might be difficult, but can be extremely helpful to your child’s success.
• When attending school activities, prepare yourself with questions and concerns that you want to address.
• Begin communication when things are going well with your child. Give compliments to the teacher through notes, phone conversations or email.
• When there are problems, share concerns while they are small. Ask how things are going.
This information was made possible from www.parenting.org. Visit the website for more helpful tips and ideas.
Internet Information for Students, Parents and Teachers
Internet Social Web Tips for Teens
Sharing provocative photos or intimate details online, even in private emails, can result in serious problems later on. Even people you consider friends can use this information against you, especially if they become ex-friends.
It might be fun to check out new people for friendship or romance, but be aware that, while some people are nice, others act nice because they are trying to get something. Flattering or supportive messages may be more about manipulation than friendship or romance.
Be cautious when communicating with people you do not know in person, especially if the conversation starts to be about sex or physical details. Do not lead them on – you do not want to be the target of a predator’s grooming. If they persist, tell your parents, teachers or call the police.
The only way someone can physically harm you is if you are both in the same location. So, to be 100% safe, do not meet them in person. If you really have to get together with someone you “met” online, do not go alone. Have the meeting in a public place, tell a parent or some other solid backup, and bring some friends along.
All these tips also apply to cell phone communications. However, since you carry your phone with you when you are away from home, you do not have your usual support systems. Be careful to whom you give your number and how you use your GPS and other technologies that can pinpoint your physical location.
Parents, please observe your children while they are using the Internet, and restrict those sites with which you feel uncomfortable.
The safety tip is provided by Col. Eugene E. Reece, Sr., Executive Director of the
St. Louis Public Schools Department of Safety and Security.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
-Anatole France
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