Welcome to Hadley Elementary School!

Tips for a Successful School Year from Mr. DiPietro

One of the key factors contributing to a successful school year is for students to establish and follow consistent routines right from the start.  Several tips from teachers and administrators that have proven helpful for students are: 

1. Make sure your child gets to school every day – and on time.
Good attendance is essential for successful student academic performance.  Missed class time is missed learning time, and each subsequent tardy or absence compounds the problem.  To put absences in their proper perspective, a twenty-minute tardy or absence from school each day means 60 hours – or two weeks – of missed learning during a school year.  Please understand that your child’s teacher can’t teach a student that isn’t in class – so don’t take precious class time for granted.  With that in mind, try to schedule dentist and doctor appointments outside of school hours. 

2. Follow a schedule.
Children need a schedule to follow and depend on – one that includes definite times for homework, meals, and sleep.  They can then work around those specific times to include additional activities.

3. Limit TV and video games.
Decide how much free time should be spent on these activities – and stick to it.

4. Make reading a family activity.
Talk to your child about your favorite books; encourage your child to retell a favorite story, focusing on meaning and comprehension; provide your child with a wide variety of reading materials, including books and magazines; and encourage your child to read every night.  Remember that reading is the “gateway to academic success.”

5. Stay informed of what your child is doing in school.
Take a few minutes every day to look at what your child brings home from school, and ask them each day what happened at school that day.  By spending a few minutes each day talking to your child about what he or she studied at school, you will not only be more informed about their education, but will also encourage your child to be more thoughtful about his or her own learning.

6. Provide support for homework.
Equip your child with a consistent, quiet, well-lighted place in your home with all necessary supplies to do homework.

7. Give your school child lots of positive reinforcement every day.
Positive comments send a message to children that their school efforts are recognized and appreciated, which can lead to their greater effort and stronger academic performance.  So, look for and acknowledge the good things your student does no matter how small they may be, and comment favorably on them regularly.

Remember that the actions you take (or don’t take) as a parent can make all the difference to your child’s success in school.  I believe that, if adopted, the measures described above will lead to enhanced student interest, learning, and achievement in school.

Sincerely,

Philip J. DiPietro
Principal

Phillip DiPietro - Principal
PDiPietro@hadleyschools.org

Kathleen Boyden - Student Services Director
KBoyden@hadleyschools.org

Gayle Kolodziej - Secretary 
GKolodziej@hadleyschools.org

Brenda Pelissier - Secretary, Student Services
BPelissier@hadleyschools.org