v     The parents of kindergarten students may have heard their children talk about “I-Care Cat,” a puppet I take into their classrooms to teach the students. They have been learning “I-Care” rules. The first “I-Care” rule that they learned was “We listen to each other.” They are currently learning about the second “I-Care” rule, which is “Hands are for Helping, Not Hurting.” Reading books with your child about listening and helping is an excellent way to reinforce what they are learning.

 

v     In first and second grades, we have started our character education lessons. The six pillars of character are the foundation of the program and they are respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, fairness and good citizenship. So far this year, they have learned about the character traits “trustworthiness” and “respect.”     

 

v     In third, fourth, and fifth grades, we have started the Steps to Respect program, which is a bullying prevention program. The focus of the lessons are on making and keeping friends, treating everyone with respect, and how to recognize, refuse, and report bullying.  

 

v     The lunch bunch groups have started. The groups that are running at this time are the ones for “positive behavior” and “banana splits” (divorce). Please remember that different groups start at different times of the year, so if you signed your child up for a group, it may not have started yet. 

 

 

Parenting Tips:

 

You can have a great impact on your child’s success in school. Here are some ways that you can help your child and work with his/her teacher to make your child’s school experience enjoyable and less stressful (for both you and your child!):

 

v     One of the most important things for children is having a routine. Having a set study time and bed time is important to their success and being organized. Routines may help children feel more secure because they know what to expect at certain times.  

 

v     Have your child set a certain place for doing homework. Make sure that it is a place with good lighting and a solid place to write (such as a desk or table.) Make sure the TV is off and if possible, is an area with few distractions. Remember that homework is your child’s responsibility. However, you can help quiz your child and be available to answer questions.

 

v     Read with your child. Children can get their own library cards at the community library. If reading isn’t your child’s favorite activity, try to find books that relate to their interests.  There is a children’s librarian that may be able to help you select books that your child will enjoy!

 

v     Help your child stay organized. 

 

v     Encourage and praise your child often.

 

 

v     There is an Evening Counseling Center (ECC) serviced by St. Mary’s County Public Schools located at Leonardtown High School in the Guidance Office. The center provides counseling services by appointment to all students and parents of students enrolled in St. Mary’s County Public School. The ECC provides counseling, social skills training, helps families design their own behavior management programs, liaisons with community agencies, as well as other interventions. The ECC is open Tuesday evenings from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact: Gary O’Neill, School Psychologist at (301) 475-0200 ext. 155 or Alissa Douglas, School Counselor, at (301) 475-0230.  

 

 

v     We have a Parent Lending Library available to us that includes many books on a wide variety of topics. If you are interested in taking a look at the list of books, please call me at (301) 472-4600 ext. 4.

 

 

v     It is never too early to start saving for your child’s college education. The state of Maryland has a couple of different plans that make it possible to lock in today’s tuition costs for your child’s future college education years down the road. Plans can vary depending on your family’s budget so it is best to contact the number or website below to discuss the available options. You may receive further information from the following website: www.collegesavingsmd.org or by calling 1-888-4MD-GRAD.