"Warwick can get you out of that ditch," said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The man looked at the haggard mule, and then back at the farmer who stood there repeating, "Yep, old Warwick can do the job." The man decided he had nothing to lose. The two men and Warwick made their way back to the ditch.

The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins he shouted, "Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull, Warwick!" And the mule pulled the car from the ditch with very little effort.

The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule, and asked, "Why did you call out all of those other names before you called Warwick?"

The farmer grinned and said, "Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he’s part of a team he doesn’t mind pulling."

The importance of teamwork is crucial in the education of our children. Much like Warwick, educators recognize that when they are truly a member of a team their ability to impact the lives of their students increases dramatically. Unlike the story above, the illusion of teamwork is not enough in education. A partnership involving the student and his or her parents, the teacher, school and community is essential.

As we begin a new school year, I would ask that parents get involved in the education of their students. The actions taken (or not taken) by parents can make all of the difference in a child’s success at school. A few important things you can do to help:

1. Make sure your student gets to school every day – and is on time. Remember that a teacher can’t teach a student who isn’t in class. Time spent in the classroom is valuable and should not be taken for granted.

2. Give your student the tools he or she needs to be successful in the classroom. Success in school takes more than just student effort and good teaching. Having the required tools is needed as well. These "tools" are more than just adequate supplies such as pencils and notebooks. A proper diet is vital; make sure your child eats a good breakfast and lunch as a hungry student will not be able to concentrate or work very well.

It is also important that students come to the classroom with the required books and completed materials. You should be familiar with your student’s class schedule and assignments and monitor whether he or she has the necessary materials from day to day. A pattern of preparation established in the elementary years may lead to life-long organization and success for your student.

3. Make sure your student gets plenty of rest. The value of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. No child can learn while sleeping, or fighting off sleep, in class. Make sure that bedtimes and waking times consistently provide at least eight hours of sleep each night.

4. Support the school. Your attitude about school and learning, whether positive or negative, have a tremendous influence on your child. If you are positive about learning and the school, the probability of your child being successful increases. If you do have a disagreement with a teacher or the school, take it up privately with the teacher or principal. While you should certainly approach the school with any concerns, you do your child no favors by airing your frustrations in front of him or her. After all, a child’s attitude toward teachers and school will affect his or her learning.

5. Get involved! Become part of the team that will lead to your child’s success. Be involved in schools by visiting your child’s classroom, reading to your student and having him or her read to you. Verify student progress by talking with your student and his or her teacher or monitoring progress through Internet access to the school’s grading system. Schools will welcome you and your involvement.

The District’s teachers, administrators, and support staff are ready and anxious to start the new school year. They are excited about working with you as a member of the team to serve the educational needs of our communities. We appreciate your willingness to be a member of our team as we pull together towards student growth and achievement.

 Dr. Douglas E. Wright, Superintendent of Schools