The Panther Post

Dear Blackstock Families:

It was great to see so many families at Open House this year. We hope that you will continue to attend school functions. It can be challenging to attend school functions as they get older, but as much as they protest and say they don’t want you involved, the truth is, they never stop needing or wanting your attention. They need you in their adolescent years as much as they needed you when they first started school. Let’s continue to build upon this partnership. We are here to serve you and support you in any way we can. Please know that we are not only available during school functions, but at any time. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you need to speak to us or your child’s teacher.

Spring is approaching and learning is in full swing here at the Blackstock Jr. High School. As you may know, this is a time of year that students make the most academic and social learning improvements. Make school a priority. Very soon the weather will change with spring right around the corner. It can be challenging to keep our children focused on learning. What can you do to make school a top priority for your child? Keep these ideas in mind:

• Make attendance your number one priority. Let your child know that unless they are sick, they must attend school (and be on time.) Make an effort to schedule appointments after school hours.

• Show you care. Talk about school activities and projects. Make an effort to attend as many school events as you can.

• Remain positive. Try to set a positive example for your child, even when your own day has been challenging. If you show a positive attitude about your work, your child may feel better about their own.

State testing is around the corner. We will start our practice test the week of March 28-31. During the week that your child is testing, make certain that your son/daughter rests properly each night, arrives for school on time, and is not distracted at home. Students test in the morning and are expected to report to their designated testing room after attendance has been taken in their 1st period. The CAASPP summative assessment will take place during the weeks of May 1-12. We will send more communication regarding testing as the date approaches.

Spring break begins on April 3 and ends on April 14. Please encourage your child to enjoy the outdoors and to continue reading during the break. We have seen an increased attachment to digital entertainment and inappropriate use of technology on campus. Spring break is the perfect time to address this. Report cards went home this past Friday, March 17, 2023. If your child’s grades were not what you expected, removing their phone, video games, and other electronic devices until grades improve will help support your child. I know first hand that challenges of helping kids be self-regulated and limited on their “on screen time”. I also understand how the busyness of daily life can impede our ability and willingness to take the time necessary to fight the battle. Regardless of the difficulty , the battle for the minds and hearts of our children must be won at home if it is to be won at all. I encourage you to use the Spring Break as an opportunity to take a break not only from school, but from the other routines that separate us from quality time together as families. Hold your kids close and continue to build family bonds that are stronger than peer or digital attachments.

Please continue to speak with your children about responsibility. We want all students to be eligible to participate in all of the end of the year activities. This requires that they follow academic and behavioral expectations as well as having good attendance. Unexcused absences, tardies, low academics and poor behavior will make students ineligible to participate.

Since this is the last bulletin before spring break, We wish you all a great rest of the month of March and a wonderful spring break with your family.