MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Preparation for the classroom can be stressful not only for the parents but especially for students. Each new school year brings new friends, a few notebooks, and extra pencils to the bag, but there may be a couple of different bullet points on the list. Superior Hills Elementary Principal Stephanie Anderson said even if those at home cannot provide some school supplies, that the schools will accommodate them.
“The typical, a backpack, a lunchbox though if families cannot get them schools will provide them general supplies all of the teachers do supply what their students need as far as pencils and paper and glue and all of that sort of thing,” commented Superior Hills Principal Stephanie Anderson. For those just starting in school, this whole new world is going to take some getting used to and Anderson explains that collaboration with those at home is another critical piece of preparation that can help.
“I think it’s critical that parents build relationships with the school as well so parents making contact with teachers when they have questions, teachers generally make contact with parents in the, well, throughout the whole year but in the first several weeks,” continued Anderson.
Communication is also a really critical ingredient to building a relationship between those at home and educators and a new building let alone a classroom can be a big change for some students. “The school building itself for some of the little ones is a big building. Children are aware and nervous about some of the little things that we take for granted as adults,” commented Sandy Knoll Principal Stacy Brock.
“The first few weeks are really critical for building relationships and routines, so as educators were just thinking about knowing where students are going, making sure we’re knowing how they’re coming to school and leaving school a lot of safety ideas are running through our minds just making sure that all of that is taken care of, but mainly building routine and relationship,” continued Anderson
Marquette Area Public School Offices opened up on Monday, August 21st, for those who need to straighten away bus schedules, medication, and any other urgent concerns for students. “I do think the transition from summer to the school year for all of us, having to wake up and have a routine and not be free to make our schedule choices during the day that’s always causes a bit of anxiety and so readjusting to what we do at school probably worries students as well,” continued Anderson.
Elementary open houses will be scheduled within the next couple weeks, with Sandy Knoll Elementary open house on Wednesday, August 30th.
