From Chocowinity Primary School 

With the start of the 2015-2016 school year, Chocowinity Primary School teachers are sharing some tips to help make the new year a successful one for students and parents.

“Stay involved and communicate with your child’s teachers,” said Lynn Whittington, giving advice to parents. “That open door communication is very important.”

Whittington, who teaches third grade at CPS, suggested that parents plan “adventures, mini trips and little vacations” and talk about the experiences with their children.

“Be active in their life,” she said. “Be present in their life.”

Teacher Ashley Lewis wants parents to understand that kindergarten is no longer about playing and naptime.

“Kindergarten is the new first grade; our instruction is very rigorous,” Lewis said. “By the end of the school year they’ll be able to read, write paragraphs, add and subtract.”

Reading is key to a student’s success in school, Lewis said.

“Read to your children and have them read to you,” she said. “Children need to hear fluent readers and they need to have the chance to practice to be fluent.”

Tameka Smith is a prekindergarten teacher at CPS and she said her students’ progress this year will ideally carry on into kindergarten.

“Parent involvement in the classroom and at home is important,” Smith said. “Basically, parents are taking everything we’re doing in the classroom and continuing it at home. Following a routine is very important. Have a routine at home because the child is used to a routine at school.”

First-grade teacher Heather Hall echoed advice shared by other CPS staff members.

“Parents need to make sure they’re reading with their children every night,” she said. “Keep open communication with the teachers so the children will have a positive experience.”

Shea Carrow said second grade is when children should begin to gain more independence.

“Foster independence and help them establish a routine with their homework,” she said. “Students need to learn good study habits, good working habits.”

Plenty of rest, combined with a regular routine, will help children become successful students, according to fourth-grade teacher Cameron Hill.

“Remember your children are not miniature adults; they still need to go to bed at a consistent time,” Hill said. “They will get tired and that reflects in the classroom, both academically and socially.”

Principal Alicia Vosburgh reminded parents that Chocowinity Primary School always has an open door policy.

“Parents, please make sure you keep open lines of communication with school staff,” she said. “Teachers love for parents to communicate with them. Parents should check homework nightly and they should ask their children specific questions at the end of the day. And it doesn’t hurt to come out and eat lunch with them. The main thing is to be involved.”