By Dr. Annette Weissman

New Year’s Day is still a few months away, but August is the perfect time for each family to make their school year resolutions.  You will “Soar to Success” if you follow these suggestions!

1. Gather school supplies.  Your children will need certain materials for their work in the classroom and some items for their work at home. Check the supply lists posted by grade level on the school website.  Create a place at home where children know they can find sharpened pencils, crayons and/or markers, papers, erasers, a ruler, a dictionary, and a thesaurus.
2. Establish a time and place for your children to complete their home learning assignments.  It is important that you supervise this activity and check that the work is done.
3. Be sure to check their agendas for special messages.  Each child in grades 2-6 has an agenda in which he/she records the home learning assignment each night.  When appropriate, teachers may add a special note to the parents. Students in Kindergarten and First Grade will receive a printed notice each week regarding their home learning.
4. Remember to read each night.  Miami-Dade County Public Schools recommends 30 minutes a night of reading.  SIBCS implements the Accelerated Reader program and each student is required to read books as part of this initiative.
5. Check your children’s book bags for parent notices sent by the teacher, the school, and the District.
6. Get Informed – Stay Informed.  Know your children’s teachers, read the monthly newsletter, check the Sunny Isles Beach Community School website and calendar for the most up-to-date information.
7. Create an account on the Parent Portal located on the Miami-Dade County Public School website.  This will enable you to monitor your child’s academic performance at school. 
8. Join the PTSA and get involved in the school.

These are just a few of the tested strategies that will lay the foundation for a truly meaningful learning experience at SIBCS.  The entire staff is eager to work with the parents on any of these or related suggestions.  Resolve now to help us make this year special for your family.