Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools September 2014 | Page 6

Back to school: A primer for parents

Tips for kindergarten, middle and high school success

School started Aug. 25 — time to get
students back into school mode. The first day of
school can be exciting and/or anxious, especially
for those entering kindergarten, middle or
high school for the first time. These students
will encounter more expectations and will be
surrounded by new faces.
Families can help their students begin the
school year with confidence. Visit the school
website, review materials sent by the school as
soon as it arrives, show your student where their
bus stop is, talk about expectations, hopes, and
fears for the upcoming school year. Attend the
school’s open house.
Cheryl Robinson, CMS school counseling
program manager, says open houses are a great
opportunity for families to tour the school, meet
teachers and other families, get information about
curriculum, after-school programs and activities,
and to ask questions.
“We encourage families to attend because it
can help alleviate some anxiety stu