After nearly 30 years of teaching, my short list of the habits of my most successful students is as follows:

1. ATTENDANCE- Even children who are having a rough morning or are slightly under the weather can come to school. I will help your child feel included, happy, and successful, I promise! But they must come to school. Upset tummy, headache? We can handle it. If you are having behavior issues at home that are affecting attendance (missing the bus, refusal, acting sick, etc...) I can help with that, too. PLEASE reach out for help...I got you!

2. LIMITING SCREEN USE- Your child will be in a better mood, more awake, and more engaged when screens are restricted on school nights. Read books, play games, or have a sit-down meal instead. Be sure those devices are out of reach when it's time for bed to avoid any sneaking devices while you are asleep, please. 

3. GOOD NUTRITION- Growing bodies and minds need good, clean food to function. Please limit sugar and processed foods in your child's diet. 

4. EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE- Elementary-aged children need a regular bedtime routine that allows for 9- 12 hours of sleep.  A sleepy child cannot manage the workload and expectations of a busy classroom, resulting in more illness, attendance issues, and poor academic achievement.

If you need any support, please do not hesitate to ask me or the other professionals at our school. We are here to help!

**Lastly, if your child will be absent for some reason, please contact the main office and email me. If your child's absence is categorized as "unexcused," due to no contact, all work must be made up in a timely fashion, and any participation grades taken on that day will be listed as "Missing" in my gradebook. 

I am happy to collect work for children who are "excused" and will work out a reasonable schedule for getting the work made up, or excuse assignments altogether due to an extended "excused"  illness. Your communication is critical.  Thank you!