Dear Belle River Parents,

Wow- what an amazing start to a fun school year! Classrooms are already in full gear with students learning. I have been in classrooms observing students engaged in reading and math and really having fun learning. It is impressive with how hard they are working.

As a principal, I also watch for smiles and children who appear to be happy and relaxed. The entire staff does. We recognize the connection between learning and students’ feeling relaxed and safe. We know that students have to feel safe in order to make learning connections. We see that as a critical part of our job, while also understanding that we need to stretch students to learn to their highest capacity. That balance can be tricky and is sometimes difficult to determine. On top of that the beginning of the year is a time of adjustment. Change impacts children just like it does adults. Let us know if your child is not adjusting and showing signs of stress after a few weeks of school. Please also make certain that your child is getting enough sleep since fatigue often adds to stress and behavior problems for children.

As always, we want to work together to ensure your child is learning in a safe and comfortable learning environment. We appreciate all that you do!

Patti Andrea