Learn about the latest news in education and tips to help your kids thrive in elementary school. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Primary Focus was founded by Natalie Parmenter, a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that is often common knowledge to teachers but is not widely known among parents. Primary Focus is dedicated to enlightening parents on all things elementary school so their children can thrive.
π© Red Flags At School
"Don't you mess around with me"Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar π΅βπ« Confused how to apply to elementary schools? Come to the School Talk Workshop β Hey Reader! Most of you are settled into the new school year- so you may be seeing some issues starting. Take it from me, a former teacher, you want to jump on these things now... π© Low Test Scores: If test scores and school performance suddenly drop- reach out. Your child may have had summer learning loss and need support to relearn last year's content. You want to jump on any gaps early so your child won't fall behind. It's also possible the teacher is judging your child against end of year goals....annoying, but also a relief. This means they are supposed to score low at the beginning of the year. π© Their Confidence has Taken a Hit: Is your baby suddenly complaining that they aren't smart, not good at reading, or they have no friends? Reach out to their teacher ASAP with concerns. Sometimes it takes a little collaboration behind the scenes. Explain your baby needs a win, and ask their teacher to give your kiddo a confidence boost. Then- follow up the next week with your observations...and if needed the week after that. π© Unusual Punishments: Scratching your head as to why your child got in trouble? Reach out! Simply let the teacher know you heard the child go in trouble but you're missing part of the story OR you're unsure of discipline policies. As a former teacher I'll let you in on a secret- I was far less lenient at the beginning of the year. If I gave a warning and the child continued, I always followed through with discipline. By being strict in September, I was investing in the entire school year. Kids (and people in general!) are always looking for ways to bend rules...but September was not the time! Need Help Problem Solving?
What's New?π Next Week!: Will I see you at the next Kindergarten School Talk workshop? It's application season- come learn about great options in Charlotte and how to navigate the confusing process. π On the run: Im training to run 10k on my birthday (Oct 3). I ran 10k in 2017, but haven't gone that far since. I've cracked 4.5 miles, and am trying to root myself on to make the full 6.2. I exclusively run outdoors. Any tips appreciated! I enjoy running, but it's intimidating. π₯ New Vid: I dropped my newest Banned Book Video- this one discusses a scary supreme court case that could have schools purging books from their libraries. Watch and comment with the red crayon ποΈ so I know you were there! Things I Loveπ§ Cozy for Fall: I bought this cute waffle knit hoodie. It's cozy, it's oversized, and cute (order TTS or size down). Best part? It's under $20β π© Clean your dirty water bottles: When's the last time your stainless steel water bottle had a good cleaning? Is it stained from drinking ice tea (*cough instead of water)?? Owala makes these great cleaning tablets that sanitize and remove stains from their drinks. Trust me, you need this. β Take care of yourself! |
Primary Focus Newsletter
Learn about the latest news in education and tips to help your kids thrive in elementary school. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Primary Focus was founded by Natalie Parmenter, a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that is often common knowledge to teachers but is not widely known among parents. Primary Focus is dedicated to enlightening parents on all things elementary school so their children can thrive.
"And when the sun dips out of sight We'll cozy up together by the fireside" It Snowed by Meaghan Smith πΊπΈ Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to those who served! Hi Reader, November is a unique month because there are a ton of days off school. Despite this, you'll still have to work many of those days (either at the office OR on a huge Thanksgiving meal). But with the weather cooling off (who got snow last night?) and season of winter crafts beginning, you'll need to get creative to keep your...
"Slow down, you crazy child You're so ambitious for a juvenile" Vienna by Billy Joel π Virtual School Talk Workshop tomorrow! Watch live or get the recording after, save $5 with code FRIENDS5EVER Hi Reader, I need to pull a lesson from my teacher book this week... You see, it's Tuesday and I'm already exhausted (raise your hand if you agree!) I've signed myself up for a week of incredible achievements for Primary Focus...but having it all hit in the same week (and during Daylight Savings) has...
"Make it up as we go along" This Must be the Place by Talking Heads π Virtual School Talk Workshop this Wednesday! Watch live or get the recording after, save your spot now Hi Reader, So, let's talk about report cards... Today's newsletter is inspired by 2 readers! They asked: βWhy are report cards so unhelpful?β and βWhy are my childβs grades suddenly so low?β Report Cards as Legal Documents:Report cards can impact everything from car insurance rates for teens, to custody decisions, to...