(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Becker Schools Superintendent Jeremy Schmidt.)

Becker Public Schools are excited to welcome our students and staff back to school for the 2022-2023 school year.  We have had a wonderful summer, but look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces as we continue to grow and improve on our previous successes, as well as learn from mistakes we have made along the way.  The excitement of the new school year also may bring with it some anxiety.  Our children have been used to a different schedule over the summer and it is important to create a school routine that allows everyone to be successful.  

As we begin this school year, we would like to offer some helpful information to prepare our students for success.  If your child is a little anxious about returning back to school or beginning school this year, here are some ways you can help as a parent.

Create a routine to begin and end the day.  This could include preparing the night before, looking over homework together, or positive messages being shared each day.

Be prepared to talk to your child about things they are excited about or nervous about.  

Work with your child to provide them avenues to handle difficult situations they may be fearing about school (homework, lunch, recess, or other events).

Connect with staff at the school to provide support.  School staff including teachers, support staff, counselors, and school administrators are available to help provide resources or connect with your child to help them through difficult times.

The Becker Public School District recently went through the Strategic Planning Process.  During the process the Becker Public Schools Mission Statement was changed to, “Developing Self-Directed Learners to Thrive in a Changing Global Community.”  We have all seen the changes that have taken place over the last few years.  It is important to continue to understand the value in having self-directed learners who understand our entire global perspective.  In addition to this mission statement, Becker Public Schools staff works hard to encourage students to be resilient and mentally strong. There are opportunities for parents to engage their children to help support this.  Opportunities such as those listed below will help to support the school in promoting a resilient and mentally strong culture. 

Maintain positivity and create optimism.  Statements such as “You were really trying on that assignment,” “All that studying and practice is paying off,” and “I can do this!” are very powerful in maintaining a positive attitude and culture.

Encourage and recognize small gains.  Continue to set attainable goals and when those are met, reset them.

Share or journal about the school day.  A great opportunity is to share positive things that happened during the school day as a family.  You can also talk about challenges and brainstorm ways to overcome them.  Journaling is a great way for students to develop a routine and provides an opportunity to reflect on positive experiences and challenges as well.

With students coming back to school, we would like to remind everyone to be extra cautious in school zones and particularly during pick up and drop off times.  The speed limit around the school when children are present is 15 m.p.h.  When you see students at bus stops, please stay extra aware.  Becker Public School buses have increased their cameras thanks to a grant through the State of Minnesota to help reduce school bus stop arm violations.  It is the law to stop for school buses with flashing lights.  Drivers must also come to a complete stop at least 20 feet from a school bus and remain stopped while the stop arm is out and lights are flashing.  Failure to stop may lead to a gross misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.  

To continue to improve the learning environment and experience for our students, we would like to share our areas of emphasis this year.  These have been shared with students upon their return to the school.  While we don’t limit the handbooks to these emphasis, these are areas we expect to improve over last year and previous years.  

Respect

Attendance

Tobacco and E-Cigs

Proper cell phone use

Proper dress and accessories including backpacks and hats.

If you have any questions regarding any of the information shared, please feel free to connect with your child’s teacher or individual school building staff.  We look forward to an exciting, positive, and productive school year.