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Gonig back to school

  • Published
  • By Lisa Terry McKeown
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  About 55 million students across the country begin a new school year within the next few weeks, according the U.S. Census Bureau. Pope Elementary joins those numbers as they open their doors today to new and returning students. 

"I've just reviewed the exit surveys filled out by parents whose children have spent two to four years with us," said Bob Kirkpatrick, Pope Elementary School principal. "They universally say that our teachers are caring, talented and effective. Their love of children is evident. I'd say we're going to have a classically good year because we have a plan in place to make it better than ever." 

Some tips for helping your student have a successful school year are: 
-- Discuss any fears or concerns your student may have. 

-- Provide an environment where your student can get a good night of rest, a nutritious breakfast and parental support. 

--Talk positively about school with your student. Let them know you think school and learning are important. 

Principal Kirkpatrick also said the school is working hard to develop a school improvement plan that has "vigor and punch." 

As he and the Pope Elementary School staff work to teach and help the students at school, there are also ways to help the students when they return home.
One of those ways is to help students with their homework. 

The U.S. Department of Education has said "children need to know their family members think homework is important." 

To help set your student up for success, here are some tips to help them with their homework:
-- Set a regular time for homework and let the child know that finishing their homework is a high priority. 

-- Pick a quiet place with good lighting for the child to do her homework. 

-- Remove distractions such as the television or telephone. 

-- Provide supplies such as pencils, pens, erasers, paper, scissors or a dictionary. 

-- Look over your children completed assignments. 

-- Help your child get organized and work with her to monitor homework assignments. 

-- Talk about the homework assignments with your child. Make sure she understands the assignment, has the supplies needed to complete it and understands how to do it. 

-- Watch for frustration. If your child shows signs of frustration, have her take a break. 

-- Encourage her and help her understand that you know she can do the work. 

-- Give praise to your child before, during and after completing her work. 

-- If she hasn't done her best work, use constructive criticism. 

-- Encourage your child to use the library. 

-- Work with your child's teacher to resolve any homework issues or questions that you can't resolve yourself. 

-- Set a good example by showing your child that the skills learned in school are an important part of life as an adult. Let your child see you reading books, writing reports, or using math to balance a checkbook. 

-- Make time to talk with your child about what they're learning in school. Help them research topics and activities interesting to them. 

-- Read with your child as often as you can. 

-- Attend school activities such as parent-teacher conferences, plays, concerts and sports events. 

-- Volunteer in your child's classroom. 

Another way to help your child have a successful school year is to help them stay safe. 

Discuss the following safety tips with your child: 

-- Don't talk to people you don't know. 

-- Walk in groups. 

-- Stay on familiar routes both to and from school. 

-- Report suspicious persons or vehicles around school. 

-- Don't tolerate bullying. Report bullying behavior to a trusted adult. 

-- Act confidently. Bullies most often target vulnerable people. 

-- Don't retaliate with weapons. 

-- Protect your personal information online. Don't give out passwords, contact information, address, phone numbers or pictures. 

-- Do not agree to meet people you do not know. 

-- Don't send or post angry, harassing or threatening messages online. 

-- Secure your belongings at school. Know where your backpack is and what's inside. 

-- Put your name on the inside of your jacket, backpack and belongings. 

-- Notice people around you. If a situation or conversation makes you uncomfortable, leave and report it to an adult. 

There's a lot to learn this school year. If you have any questions for the Pope Elementary School staff, you can reach them at 907-0209. 

Principal Kirkpatrick is excited about the new school year. He said, "Join us once again in our very effective partnership with you for a productive, joyful and high-speed school year where 'Learning takes flight."