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Board member has high praise for First Things First
To the editor:
You couldn't have asked for a beautiful morning that started off for me. I picked up Bydra, my granddaughter, the morning of First Things First, which she called me several times to make sure I was up and getting dressed. We went first to pick up her schedule which was done so promptly and effectively. There were greeters placed
everywhere, and I mean they were on their post, as I must say. If you had questions, you turned around, and it was answered. I want to thank each and every one of the staff that assisted the parents' with warm welcoming. That was a good approach in making us and the children feel good.
I would like to give props to the Blytheville school administration and task force members who created this change to ease the transition from middle school to high school that uses locale as its primary means. In other words, freshmen in the Academy model are separated from the rest of the high school for some period of time during the day. Also, I'm giving special thanks to Superintendent Richard Atwill in making the recommendation to the Blytheville School District's Board of Education to approve of a Freshman Academy in our school district. On my visit to First Things First Monday morning of school, we were so impressed about the change that had been made.
Before I procede any further, I would like to tell this story: My nephew, Demonte,who is a ninth-grader did a transition a couple of years ago from Blytheville
Intermediate School to Middle School; he didn't like Middle School, and the simple reason is that big "transition environment" took place from a little boy playing on the playground at recess. It took a while for him to adjust; he was terrified by things he saw there -- kids loitering up and down halls, fighting, loud noise, the principal hollering at the kids. He is an honor student and a well-mannered kid. He loves school and if he has homework, he does it first thing when he gets home. I saw him on Monday and asked him, "How do you like this transition?" And he replied, and said he did like it, with a
smile. I even heard parents and other kids said they liked the idea. It was much easier to find their class.
On Monday, Principal Ashley greeted the parents in a general assembly and introduced his assistant principals, along with the counselors. He went on to say that this will be his first year at the Academy and it will be new to him. He told the parents and students that this will be the graduating class of 2016, when he supposedly will retire. He explained all rules and all the behavioral problems that will not be tolerated. He also assured that this year will bring many new challenges and exciting times for each students as they strive for the final goal: their high school diploma.
"Four years sounds like a long time, but they will move very quickly for the student," he said. This year the students will find the workload to be greater and some social adjustments will need to be made. Now, you parents can play your role in some adjustment at home, making sure your children get to bed at the appropriate time for a good night's sleep, eat a balanced breakfast and most of all, encouraging them to stay focused, because like I said, this is an important year. Entering your high school years, each and every grade goes toward graduation and promotion to the next level. Let's prove to ourselves and others that we can make good grades and keep our test scores up so at the year end, we see that our Benchmark scores climb high and not be counted in the "Needs Improvement" category.
For each class I went in, it was like a rewinded tape of the rules that are expected of students to govern by in class for learning. There will be no bullying, fighting, disrespect for others and most of all, the teacher. Also, you will be respected right back. No distracting of other students' learning will be allowed, and tardiness will not be tolerated either. So parents, be assured that your child will dwell in a safe place. Principal Ashley made clear that excess tardiness and poor attendance would not be tolerated.
Parents, you should stress to your child how it is important to make good choices and what to expect if they don't.
Parents and students should be proud of their school and understand that we are all in this together. Blytheville Public Schools is the largest school district in Mississippi County. Our 2,700 students are challenged daily by one of the most advanced curriculums. We have the finest academic innovative teaching methods in the state. I heard once that when other schools get our teachers that they want to thank us for bringing to them good talent and training. So you can see, we do have the best teachers in our district, and it took hard work to make sure you received what is required. So, let us take the tools and be successful learners today -- so we can be the leaders of tomorrow.