October News at Beck!

Just a reminder, the instructional time we have with your children is very important and we have a very strict attendance policy, again this year. Please make every effort to have your children here on time every day. If your child happens to be tardy, and it isn’t due to a medical appointment, he/she will be required to attend our “Missed Instruction Session” during last recess (2:00-2:15) the day of the tardy.

Thank you so much for your flexibility in our classroom re-arrangements. This is a difficult situation, which many schools were in this year due to enrollment numbers overall in WCSD. The transition will be a smooth one, and again, I owe that to all of you for your continuous open communication and involvement in our school.

We REALLY want to encourage your attendance at the Run For Education this year, on Sunday, October 18th. Our school makes money for every child who registers AND shows up the day of the race—which we use to pay for all PE activities as well as our Soccer Team! We have made a commitment to sponsor the first 20 students who register and return their forms! More information will come home! A free Jessie Beck t-shirt will be given to everyone who participates!

A recent study by Tom Loveless, an education expert in Washington, DC, revealed how important your help at home is, in the education of our children. We cannot do it alone. Some main points of this study include:

1. Accept Homework—it is essential for the success of your child. The average time spent on homework is approximately 10 minutes per day per grade level (ex. 30 minutes for 3rd graders, 60 for 6th graders).

2. School performance falls as time spent with friends increases. Parents need to convey high expectations at home and make school/homework a priority.

3. Cut back on sports if they interfere with school work. Again, make school priority number 1 !

4. Limit Television at home.

5. Be involved in your child’s education.