Test Scores Released
We don't want to be a bore, but the Kentucky Department of Education released the annual Commonwealth Accountability Testing System -- also known as CATS -- scores on Sept. 21. You can find your school's score and other information about the tests at the KDE Web site among the headlines at: http://www.education.ky.gov.
Be Involved
Parent involvement and support is critical to the success of each child, school and school district. Jefferson County Public Schools offers suggestions on ways that you can become involved in your child’s school:
* Make learning a priority—send your child to school ready to learn each day.
* Encourage your child to do his/her “personal best” in school. Remember, “personal best” does not mean perfect. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them.
* Show interest in schoolwork—talk about your child’s school activities each day, ask to see his/her homework, and show your appreciation for their good efforts.
* Schedule study time and provide a quiet place for your child to complete homework.
* Limit your child’s television viewing/video games and encourage more reading time. Read to and with your child, and have your child read aloud to you.
* Communicate with the school and with your child’s teacher.
* Be informed and check your school’s Web site regularly.
* Support school efforts to establish rules for student discipline.
* Volunteer in your child’s school, join the PTA, and attend school activities, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences.
* Encourage your child to participate in school activities.
* Advocate for public education in your community and state.
Keep Kids Protected Online
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Here are some reminders for parents of children who use computers at home:
* Supervise computer user—Keep the computer in an open area, be aware of other computers and other devices children may be using outside of the home and consider installing software to control where children go online.
* Keep the lines of communication open—Use the Internet with your child and familiarize yourself with their online activities.
* Be a technical geek—Secure the family computer by regularly updating the operating system and installing a firewall and up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spy ware software.
Download “An Educator, Parent and Guardian’s Guide: How to Teach Young People Safe Online Practices,” for more tips and guidelines to help keep children safe when online. www.staysafeonline.org/connectedandprotected.html.