seniors who had the best high
school experiences, they are usually
those students who were involved,"
Weingarden says. "They learned
responsibility and kept a better over-
all pace in high school."
Debbie Licavoli, an early child-
hood educator at Alameda Early
Childhood Center in Farmington
Public Schools, says that setting a
routine from the beginning helps
give young minds a secure start in
kindergarten.
"The biggest challenge for both
the child and parent is dropping
them off the first day. Even for the
students who have experienced
preschool, the first day of kinder-
arten is a big change.
"As hard as it is, even if they are
crying, give them a reassuring hug,
say goodbye and leave the room,
Licavoli says. "Otherwise, you are
prolonging the separation and set-
ting a bad example of how the rou-
tine will be." Rest assured, she
adds, that the teacher knows how
to handle these situations.
She offers this advice, as well:
9 Make sure you pick your chil-
dren up on time. This helps them
understand the routine.
Even if your children attended
a kindergarten roundup, take them
back to the school for a tour. Show
them where the classroom is, where
the bathroom is, where you will be
picking them up and, if possible,
meet their teacher.
Offer as much reassurance as
you can and ask your sons and
daughters if they have any questions.
.9 Seek out other children that
will be in your child's class and set
up_ a play date before the first day.
A familiar face always helps.
Let your child get excited
about a new backpack and stock it
with a change of clean clothes in
case of spills or accidents.
Dress your daughter or son in
clothes they can comfortably button
when they are going to the bath-
room. II

"

Teacher Gayle Elias stresses the importance of a good attitude.

their children and begin talking
about these issues before school
starts."
Elias reminds parents to reinforce
these words: "We believe in your
ability to succeed and know you
will try your hardest."
Elias also offers these tips:
Parents should get excited with
their children about the upcoming
year, so make a big deal out of shop-
ping for school supplies together.
If your children have not read
much this summer, now is the time
for them to pick up a book. "It can
be Sports Illustrated for Kids," Elias
says. "Just get them to read."
Steve Weingarden, who teaches
math to freshmen at Berkley High
School, says that parents play a
major role in a student's success in
high school.

"Academically, there is a big dif-
ference between eighth grade and
freshman status," he says. "Grades
start counting from the day you
walk into high school, and parents
need to explain the importance of
that to their kids. Although freshman
grades are not as significant as
those of 1 l th grade, the grade
point starts averaging from Day 1."
He adds, "To see your son or
daughter be successful in High
school, you as parents need to
encourage school-based activities
and get involved in their education,
as well. You can help them start
thinking of where their interests lie:
drama, the fall play, tennis, choir,
Youth to Youth, band or student gov-
ernment. Guide them before school
starts, without being overbearing."
"When I think of my graduated

DANIELLE PELEG
GALLERY

4301 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD
SUITE 145 CROSSWIND MALL
WEST BLOOMFIELD

248.626.5810

MON - SAT 10:30-6, SUN 12-5

8/20
1999

Detroit Jewish News

71