Welcome to our 2016-17 school year

Welcome to the start of the 2016-2017 school year! The beginning of school is an exciting time for all.  It’s also a time of transition for ALL of us! Students are getting to know their new teachers and  classroom expectations.  Teachers are getting to know the academic and social make-up of their students. Parents are adjusting their home routines to best support their children for a successful school year. In thinking about how to support your child(ren) from home, here are three easy routines that make huge impact:  

1. Set a regular and reasonable bedtime – and stick with it.  Children need a good night’s sleep to function well at school and feel good about their day. 
2. Have a regular homework routine, including a regular workspace. Younger children need you nearby. Be available to help them understand directions and to encourage them to try their best, but remember that it is your child’s homework, not yours! 
3. Practice backpack basics: 

• Have one place to store the backpack every night.  
• Have your child empty his/her backpack everyday after school. Check for handouts, notes from the teacher, and all homework-related materials that should be going back and forth from school and home each day.
• Have your child pack his/her backpack each night for the next day.

Simple and consistent routines such as these teach our children both responsibility and organization, and can really support a quality family life!
Our faculty and staff are grateful for the support and care given to the children by their families.  I myself am grateful to be back working amidst the strong educational community of CSF and entering my 13th year as ICS principal. Thank you for choosing the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks – we are in for a fantastic school year!

Amanda Angaiak, ICS Principal

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