Commitments in the New Year - February / March 2008
Brian Friddle, Superintendent
The new calendar year has many people renewing commitments to a variety of things and experiencing fresh starts in many areas. Students also have a fresh start academically as they begin a new semester. The new year and semester is a good time to review old habits and make changes if necessary. One area for students that may need attention is homework and study skills. Does your student work on their school work consistently? Homework is one facet of the educational experience that we want our students to have and be responsible for. Another component that is frequently over looked and seldom addressed is the issue of preparing for a class and/or studying class material. This should not only take place the night or week before an exam, but this is something that our students should be doing daily so that they come to class prepared for the activities of the day. This is an employability skill and will also prepare students for post-secondary learning.
What if they say that they don’t have any homework? Focus on the idea of studying for understanding and preparation for their next class period. Consistent daily study will improve their overall grades, and more importantly, their understanding of the course content. Teaching your student this daily skill will translate into a valuable habit and will help them to have a successful transition from one educational setting to another.
In addition to academic commitments in the year ahead, commitment to health and fitness as been evident in the Spartan Center. The Spartan Center has been quite busy in the evening over the past few weeks; it looks as if multiple people are putting action to their New Year’s resolutions. I have noticed a few families coming in to exercise together. What a great way to have a family activity and demonstrate to your children a healthy lifestyle.
Commitment to medical care in Webberville was realized when Dr. Mangan opened his practice in the Spartan Center. Right now the office is open all day on Fridays and they are staying busy. It is anticipated that they will need to add a second day to the schedule sometime in the next four months. Our goal is to have the office open all week long within the next two years. Dr. Mangan said that the biggest issue involved in growing the schedule involves the fact that many people still do not realize they are open and taking new patients. Please encourage people looking for medical care to stop in or call for more information. You can reach Dr. Mangan in Webberville at 521-3706 or his Williamston office at 655-3979.
In the months to come we will be planning and looking forward to several activities like prom, spring athletics, kindergarten round-up, sixth grade transition night, our Memorial Day Celebration, and finally commencement. These important events come and go in what feels like a blink of an eye. Commitments made now to improve our student’s academic habits, or dedication to taking better care of ourselves, will result in positive changes in a short amount of time but with benefits that can last a lifetime.