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Principals offer back to school tips for families

Middletown City Schools open next week and students and parents need to be prepared.

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer 8:44 PM Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Classes start next week for Middletown City Schools students.

Before students step through the doors, principals are offering back to school tips to ensure students are prepared from their mind to their soles.

Parents might want to sit their children down to answer any questions about the first day of school to relieve any anxiety, said Miller Ridge Elementary School Principal Mike Lolli.

“That can be so helpful,” Lolli said. “Just calm any fears they may have and let them know they’re going to have a great time.”

Open houses and orientations, set for next week, can also provide a lot of needed information, like class schedules and meeting the teachers.

Some parents can fill out paperwork at those events. If not, Mayfield Elementary School Principal Marla Marsh said parents should keep their eyes open for forms being sent home.

Marsh also encourages parents to check bookbags for any items students might sneak in for the first day.

“Kids, because they get in the mode of playing with toys over the summer, they might be trying to slip some of those in the backpack,” Marsh said.

Footwear can also trip up students on the first day of school, so check dress codes, which are available in the student code of conduct online at middletowncityschools.com.

Middletown elementary school principals say sandals, flip flops and Heelys are not allowed for safety reasons.

Wildwood principal Jim Thomas also said parents should avoid buying large binders because they do not fit in the school’s lockers.

Principals also encourage parents to remember their role in learning.

“For all parents, it’s especially important not only for the first day, but for every day, to make sure they’re always checking in with their children on classes,” said Verity Middle School Principal Greg Williams.

Williams said those conversations emphasize the importance of school and reinforces what the child learned that day by having them repeat it.

“Schools are always looking for people to become more involved in the programs,” said Williams, who encourages parents to keep an eye out for a volunteer sheet that will be sent home.

“Get involved no matter how big or small, every little bit helps,” said Rosa Parks Elementary School Principal Kee Edwards.

Open houses, orientations

Middletown schools will be opening their doors to parents for open houses and orientations next week. Monday, Aug. 17: 1 p.m. Amanda, 3 p.m. Creekview, 2 p.m. Highview, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. depending on grade level Mayfield, 4 p.m. Miller Ridge, 4 p.m. Rosa Parks, 1 p.m. Wildwood, 6:30 p.m Vail, 10 a.m. for sixth grade 11 a.m. for other grades at Verity, 6 p.m. Middle High School.

For more information, visit middletowncityschools.com

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...careful what you wish for!!

careful
6:28 AM, 8/12/2009

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I would love to know who our new Principal at Amanda is! I really hope Anedra Million becomes it! she is an awesome lady and I love how she handles things!

Amanda Parent
11:51 PM, 8/11/2009

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Parents: PLEASE if it is not on the supply list,
don't buy it. The elementary desks are extremely
small and a lot of the things kids want to bring
(trapper keepers, etc) simply will not fit.

teacher
8:53 PM, 8/11/2009

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