Dear Jaguar Parents/Guardians:

It is 2012! With each year, comes New Year’s resolutions and promises that we make to ourselves (and each other) to make adjustments to how we live our lives. As winter continues and eventually transitions into spring, I have always observed how these upcoming months produces a change in our children and students. The following months from January through May can be magical in the rate of learning and growth for students. Perhaps it is the physical change we see in the warming weather or perhaps it can be explained by the increased familiarity each student has developed with their teachers and learning environment.

Our staff commits to working collaboratively to offer a rigorous and relevant program built on a foundation of positive relationships with our students. I invite you to visit this website that will detail the programs that Iron Horse offers. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our staff.

How can you help? During these next several months, there are a number of things our parents can do to partner with us and support the learning and growth of their children. Here are some ideas:

·       Minimize absences that are illness related or due to other legitimate reasons

·       Minimize bringing students late or leaving early due to appointments (instructional minutes are precious)

·       Monitor your student’s progress and, especially, any missing/incomplete assignments by communicating with your teachers. School Loop is a great way to accomplish this. If you do not have your School Loop login, create one now.

·       Make sure students are getting enough sleep. Studies show that teens require 8 ½ to over 9 hours of sleep per night. If your child’s homework load is the number one reason why he/she is not getting enough sleep, communicate with your teachers or counselor. Our staff does not want this to be the case.

·       Check in with your child regularly by asking him/her how he/she feels school is going. If your child is experiencing challenges, this will give you an opportunity to model how to problem solve. If our staff can be a resource, do not hesitate to contact us

·       Stress to your child that learning and growing is a ever-changing process, not a fixed or predetermined one. Use phrases like “You are learning more” or “You are so much better at writing now than before” and do not be afraid to give honest but caring feedback to your child when he/she makes mistakes. (Mindset, Carol Dweck)

Thank you for your continued support of the Iron Horse students and staff. With your help, Iron Horse Middle is truly a great place to learn and grow. 

Sincerely,

Joe Nguyen
Principal