Out For Summer!~~Not Quite Yet......

Some tips & tricks to help parents & students make it through the final weeks of the school year on a positive note:

• Stick to your normal routine as much as possible.  Even though kids want to stay up later---they've all got a little "spring fever," it is important to be consistent.
• Allow students more "outside" time.  Getting outdoors and enjoying all the sunshine is certain to give them opportunities to "appropriately" exert all that energy!
• Have conversations with your child about the importance of behavior these last few weeks of school.  There is always a tendency for students to feel that school is "out" once standardized testing is done; however, we all know there is so much more to be accomplished before May 23rd!
• Stay in communication with your child's teacher and be sure to emphasize this connection with him or her.  If kids know that parents & teachers are on the same page, it is often less tempting for them to "test the waters."
• Be encouraging and talk about all the exciting things ahead---summer plans, perhaps a vacation, visiting family, etc.... while letting your child know how important it is that they end their school year on a positive note!
• Last, but not least, provide incentives if needed!  You know your child best. Offer them extra computer time, a special play date over the weekend, a trip to Brusters, or perhaps, one-on-one time with you if they have a great week at school---whatever it is that makes them tick!

When it's all said and done, I'm sure everyone would agree that the last few weeks of school can be quite demanding on students and teachers alike.  With the arrival of the beautiful weather outside and students who have worked tirelessly to do well on all the "end of the year" tests, it is important to help them maintain focus and stay the course until the very end. As my beloved grandmother used to say, "Summer is a coming--but it's not here yet!"