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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, August 19-22, 2006 The Park Record k-1-? Ways to survive the upcoming back-to-school rush Tips for students and parents By PALE THOMPSON Of the Record staff Soon alarms will be buzzing at ^rlier hours and students will i ' out of bed to go back to SCIK. ' Whether starting at high school »-.r returning to elementary school the principals in the district have some tips to help parMs and students make the Elemental v . *justments Students may have had a lazy summer and Jeremy Ranch Elementary School Principal Michele Wallace said the sooner families get back into good habits, the better. "I think it's always a good idea to start three days before, establishing that bed time again," she said. "Get back into that routine." As children return to the class- room they will find themselves in a room with some unfamiliar faces. McPolin Elementary School Principal Lori O'Connor reassured parents a lot of care is taken in placing children into classes and bringing new staff into the school. "There s a lot of groundwork that is done in the placement of children and the hiring of teachers to ensure their children will have a wonderful year," O'Connor said. She also suggested thai parents try to establish relationships with their children's teachers early on. Volunteering or providing classroom materials in one way to do this, along with keeping in touch through email. "Give the teacher an opportunity to get to know your student for a few weeks," she said, then express your expectations and goals. She also mentioned parents might want to ask how the teacher is using differentiated instruction lor their child. Other ways to become involved in the school include joining the Parent Teacher Association, Parent Teacher Organization or community council, O'Connor said. As students settle in during the first week, O'Connor said the Labor Day holiday break comes at an ideal time to help ease the transition back to school, something she added they are all ready to do. "The majority of kids, at this point are ready to be back and so are teachers," she said. Middle School worries For sixth-graders entering Ecker Hill International Middle School Principal Greg Proffit reminds them many other students arc going through ihe same thing. "You're not alone," he said. Many worry about not having any friends in classes and have questions about lunch and what time they need to get there. "We try and make them feel good about asking questions," he said. Another adjustment he said students at Ecker Hill have to make is transitioning from having one teacher, to seven. To help students feel more connected to the school, they are organized by teams, or groups of students with a core group of teachers. Proffit also said parent volunteers are needed for several committees. People can sign up at the Parent Teacher Organization table at back to school night. He also suggested a number of ways for students to get involved in the coming year from joining the Ecker Hill International Middle School Academic League, for students who excel in geography or enjoy trivial pursuit, to participating in band and orchestra. Treasure Mountain International Middle School Principal Bob O'Connor said students should work at becoming self advocates in their education. •'One of the biggest things is to make sure they understand all of their assignments and to make willing to learn. 'They decide their attitude every day," she said. For incoming sophomores Hays suggested that students get involved by trying out for teams, find or create a club and be inquisitive. "Don't be shy, ask questions and get involved," she said. Students should also play an active role in their education by establishing relationships with teachers and introduce themselves to administration when they,see them at school. Hays said. She mentioned that as students return to the high school to visit they often say they miss the interactions they had with their teachWardrobe shopping for high ers there. 'These are some of the most school unbelievably dedicated staff," she Principal Hays suggests stu- said.. dents begin buying dress codeThose new to the building appropriate clothing, start reading might also be overwhelmed by and writing to get back in the construction. habit and make sure fees and reg'This is one messed up buildistration are taken care of. ing, it's easy to get lost," she said, She said it also helps if students 'it's a beautiful mess because it's come with an open mind and are transitioning to great things." sure they ask questions," he said. The students that still struggle by the time ninth-grade rolls around and grades start counting on their transcripts if they arc not self advocates. On the first day of school at Treasure Mountain, schedules will be passed out and a modified bell schedule will be used. O'Connor said students should use the lime to become familiar with the location of their lockers, the shortest routes between classes, and learn exactly what materials they need for school. "By the second week most kids will have a handle on it," he said. Teachers new to Park City get TIPS on how the district works been a whirlwind," Gardner said. questions including Anderson, The days covered everything Ginny Etheridge and John Hall. from an introduction to the Park Anderson agreed with gardCity Education Association to ner about the training as key to payroll and sick leave. Teachers retaining teachers. By DALE THOMPSON met for a pancake breakfast with "The goal of these trainings school board members and also and support is to keep new Of the Record staff teachers in the profession Earlier this week curriculum got a bus tour of the district. "They had a great time. longer," she said. director Lori Gardner was found They've appreciated getting to Like these masters, some of teaching teachers the ropes. other Approximately 35 new know instructors gathered at the Park people who City School District Office to are going to learn about different programs, be new in the They've appreciated getting to district." policies and support systems. Gardner said. The Teacher Induction know other people who are going to be Teachers Program System or TIPS was created after the State Office of who receive a new to the district" Education began to require dis- lot of initial tricts to provide training and sup- support are - Lori Gardner port for new teachers, Gi'dner more likely to stay, helping said. Curriculum Director TIPS trainer Kathy Anderson with retention ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H M explained the program w.i*- nut in and avoiding place to, in part, fill requin. cuts shortages that plague the rest of the new teachers already have of the No Child Left Behinu m- the state. some experience under iheir tiative. "The stronger the induction bell. "Out of the 30 people, only 4 Every state has developed a program, you won't see people three-year program, known as leaving because they're unhap- or 5 are brand new teachers," Gardner said. the Entry Years Enhancement py," Gardner said. Program. Park City's version of Several of what Gardner calls Anna Williams has been a this is TIPS, she explained. master teachers were on hand to teacher for 10 years and will be " "These three days have just give presentations and answer starting at Park City High School Three-day training held last week it as a teacher for those students who are still learning English. She moved to the area with her husband, who is a Delta pilot. "I'm impressed," she said of her first impressions of the district. Williams added she is looking forward to starting work and being an advocate for the Latino community in Park City. The information she learned during the three-day TIPS training was very informative, she said. "We all usually have training of some kind, but this one is a little more comprehensive," Williams said. Laura Hayes will be starling work at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School as a fourthgrade teacher. She has been in GRAYSON WEST/PARK RECORD the area for a month now after relocating from Conneticul and Director of curriculum and instruction Lori Gardner addresshas been teaching for 9 years. es a group of approximately 35 new teachers. During a threeShe said she was very day training session last week they learned about different impressed with how accessible all programs in the district and resources available to them. of the people in the district are and is looking forward to beginThe training is intensive but sons into beat poetry and playing ning work, •'especially now that she said they were creative in games. I've seen the school site." finding ways to make it enjoy"This has been...fun," Ha^es able, like turning one of the les- said. ^ .,> m Jnz Silvel JjiKe Office TWOfORONf Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush Real Estate CARLYLE MORRIS & PAGE MORRIS JULIANO 800 641-1884 ~ Toll Free • 435 649-1884 - Office cmorris@>] vvdparkcity.com pagef^] wdparkcity.com www.carlylestyle.com THE LODGES AT DEER VALLEY j Well-appointed two bedroom, three bath unit ! with ski run views. Take the private shuttle to all Park City areas. 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