HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Sending the kids back to school each year can sometimes come with a few challenges. However, school officials have a few tips to make the first day a little easier for everyone.
Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said it is very important that parents and students remain patient as everyone adjusts to getting back into the swing of a starting a new school year. "My greatest advice for every parent in Madison City when we start back on Thursday is be patient and leave early. Just take your time, slow down, they'll be a lot of parents bringing their kids to school. We want everybody to take their time."
Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas also has input for parents with younger children. "Practice with your kid. Make sure they're reading a little bit every night, doing a little bit of math every night." Superintendent Douglas believes parents can play a valuable role in their kids education,".. and we've been trying to do a lot here recently to reengage parents back into the schools."
Principal Treva Stewart is the principal of the new Madison City Schools Journey Middle School and Stewart explained that this is how they hope to make the first day back to school easier. "I think it's very important that parents pay attention to their student schedule. We're here at open house, and I prepared to walk the building to see where they have to go. It's also good to look at bus transportation, a car transportation, or if your student is a walker, just familiarize yourself with the plans that we have for the 23-24 academic year."
Superintendent Douglas also adds that when it comes to sending the kids to school on the first day he has definitely been there and done that. "You know, I'm a parent. We've all been through that first day of school jitters, particularly if you've got a preschool or kindergarten kid. Hey, come in the school, meet your teacher. You know, we're going to make you see what we do, but we want you to be involved."
Furthermore, if you have any apprehension whatsoever..."I would just say reach out to the principal, more often than not, a phone call to the principal or the teacher normally gets things handled," Superintendent Douglas continued.