Smart Schools - Middle School
You know you’re a diehard parent volunteer when…
Thank goodness for dedicated parent volunteers! Our kids and their schools need them now more than ever. To mark the end of the school year, here is something I wrote for parents who give their time and talents to their children’s schools.
By Ruth McKinnie Braun
You know you’re a diehard parent volunteer when you know [...]
How to read standardized test scores for your child’s school
The California Department of Education just released the 2008 Academic Performance Index scores for schools throughout the state. These scores let parents know how students at their child’s school are performing academically, and the scores shed an important light on how your school compares to similar schools.
You can find numbers for your child’s school in [...]
End-of-the-year class parties that kids, teachers and parents will love
Planning an end-of-the-year class party but short on ideas? Here are some fresh ones from Such A Smart Mom and some of her party-planning pals.
Keep it simple
It’s tempting to knock yourself out for a class party, especially ones that mark a milestone, such as the end of kindergarten. Remember, it pays to keep it simple. [...]
Great end-of-the-year gift ideas that teachers are sure to love
Looking for some great ideas for an end-of-the-year gift for your teacher?
Here are some smart gift ideas from Such A Smart Mom with a little help from her friends.
A gift sure to please
Gift cards are fast, easy favorites and for good reason. Whether you’re organizing a group gift or giving your teacher a thank [...]
Middle school sports: A great way to keep kids active and engaged
Middle school is a make it or break it time to keep kids interested in school. What better way to grab them than through sports?
In the world of middle school athletics, the gold standard can be found on the playing fields and in the gyms and pools of Coronado.
Not only does this jewel of a [...]
California’s Distinguished Schools for 2009 are announced
Congratulations to the 261 California middle and high schools selected as 2009 California Distinguished Schools, an annual award that recognizes some of the state’s most exemplary public schools.
The awards announced by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell went to 136 middle school and 125 high schools from Alameda to Yuba counties. (Awards alternate between [...]
Best Seller List: Parent groups buy books for school libraries
As schools trim their budgets here and there to make ends meet, the selection of books available in their libraries is getting thinner.
Some parent groups are helping to replenish library stacks by sponsoring fund raisers specifically for books. Here are two ideas that might work for your school.
The Birthday Book Club at Miramar Ranch Elementary [...]
Are our children really expected to learn more than we did when we were their age? Here’s a hint: It’s not your imagination
Parents are known for telling their kids how much harder life was when they were young. As in - I had to walk to school in snow and rain. Or - I couldn’t just find research on the Internet, I had to walk to the library in the snow and rain.
So why is it that [...]
