SAN ANTONIO – As the first 100 days of school for the kids in public school is quickly approaching, local superintendents are asking teachers to stay focused on the task of educating the kids — and they’re looking for parents’ support.
Deputy Superintendent for San Antonio ISD Shawn Bird said there’s always excitement when the school year kicks back into gear after the holidays. He’s asking parents to practice reading, writing and math with their kids to stay connected and help them succeed during the remainder of the school year.
State testing starts in April, but Bird says getting kids ready is a year-round job.
“Just encouraging kids starting those habits early of getting a good night’s sleep, making sure they are at school for breakfast in the morning. If they want to participate in our breakfast program or they’re eating at home, making sure they’re really fueling their body for a good day,” Bird said. “We should be preparing for that all year long because those are just good habits that we want kids to develop for their success in life.”
Northside ISD Superintendent John Craft said they face the huge challenge of low attendance during the winter months. He said kids who miss a lot of school tend to fall behind.
Craft is also encouraging teachers to stay focused as the legislative session gets underway. There are already dozens of bills filed that deal with public education, and school vouchers are back on the agenda for lawmakers and school financing.
“It can be distracting in the sense that when you hear about these initiatives that are potentially going to be legislated, and again, when I use the word potential because the vast majority of proposed legislation doesn’t become signed into law,” Craft said. “And just again, stay focused on what’s most important, and that’s our students.
The legislative session runs from Jan. 14 until June 2nd.