September 6, 2005
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Welcomes Students Back to School
O'Connell offers parents tips to help students develop good study habits
LOS ANGELES – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell welcomed all students back to school around the state, while celebrating the opening today in Los Angeles of 13 newly constructed schools.
Although many students have already returned to their studies or attend year-around school, others are coming back from summer vacation on this traditional start on the day after Labor Day.
"Not only is there a renaissance in school construction and classroom modernization around the state, student achievement is also up statewide," said O'Connell. "The past five years show us that high standards and expectations are working for our students. However, there's much work ahead of us. If we want our students to succeed in the demanding global economy then we must prepare them to reach higher levels than ever before."
In order to maintain that momentum and help students get back on track toward good study habits following the long summer vacation, O'Connell offered parents and their children these 10 back-to-school tips:
- Read to and with your children often.
- Work with your children's teacher to find books that are right for their age group and skills and will be fun to read.
- Encourage your children to write, like sending thank-you notes, or having a family mailbox for written messages.
- Encourage your child to use a variety of resources when writing school reports.
- Use math in everyday activities, like comparing prices, weighing produce, and adding up bills.
- Encourage use of the metric system.
- Choose a study area that is comfortable and well lighted.
- Be selective about TV and radio, and make sure homework comes first.
- Teach your child to stop, look, listen, and walk carefully to and from school or the bus.
- Encourage physical activity, eat well-balanced meals, and get adequate sleep.
O'Connell offered these tips as part of his tour of 13 newly constructed schools that opened today in Los Angeles for the first time. The schools are among 32 educational facilities opening in the Los Angeles Unified School District during the 2005-06 school year, financed by a $9.2 billion construction program designed to end campus overcrowding. The new facilities will serve about 17,000 kindergarten through twelfth-grade students.
