MARTINS FERRY — Developing a routine, getting organized and remaining positive and encouraging with children are some steps parents can take to start the new school year right, local educators said.

John Poilek, principal at Shadyside High School, said for many students transitioning from middle to high school or from elementary to middle school can be tough during a regular academic year.

“Probably the best thing a parent can do for their child, really at any stage, is support and encourage them,” he said. “Unwavering support of your child will go a long way into easing those complications.”

Poilek said, however, that parents still need to be realistic with their children about how difficult it might be.

“Let them know this isn’t going to be easy and there will be times where you will want to quit, give up, or just not do what is asked of you because it seems too daunting a task. This is where the support aspect comes in, too,” Poilek said.

“Help your child get started. Sometimes the most difficult part of any task is the beginning. For any assignment, be it a small homework problem page or a large, end-of-unit project, be there to help and then let their creativity take over.”

Poilek encourages parents to also meet their children’s teachers.

“I promise, teachers are not scary people and they genuinely want to help your child. I know my teachers would enjoy a conversation with you and would appreciate any information about your child that would help with classroom success,” Poilek said.

For children who were fully remote last year and may not have had a lot of social interactions with larger groups of people, Poilek suggests getting them out into the world again if they haven’t been already.

“Maybe try a walk in a park or a trip to a farmers’ market. These are outdoor, open air venues that are relatively safe and will provide some exposure to a population of people. It might not be a bad idea to eventually graduate to a restaurant or other indoor site,” Poilek said.

“Here, you and your child can gain some confidence of being indoors with other people. While at these places, with your supervision and taking into account your child’s age, encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and interact with a worker or say ‘Hi’ to someone they don’t know. You might find out you are helping that person just as much as you are helping yourselves.”

Poilek believes it may be difficult for some former remote learners to come back to school, but his teachers are prepared for this.

“Teachers are ready with many grouping tactics and discussion starters that will promote camaraderie within the classroom and make the transition back as easy and relaxed as possible,” he said.

Poilek said parents should remember to be patient with their child and with the school.

“Believe me, we want nothing more than to have your child in our buildings full time. We can’t wait to get the students back and get to work. But, there will be some static, I’m sure, as we work to come out of this pandemic. Communication is going to be critical,” Poilek said.

“Parents, I encourage you to contact your child’s teachers at the first sign of trouble in a class. Please let us know that your child is struggling, especially if your child tends to be quiet in the classroom and is a bit reluctant to ask for help. Sometimes, we just don’t know what is going on with a child. We want to help but are unsure how. The relationship between a child’s parents and the teacher can go a long way to the child’s success.”

The Shadyside Local School District’s first day of class is Aug. 23.

Ed Trifonoff, principal of River High School, said the best thing a parent can do to help their child start the new school year is to get involved and have a positive attitude. Also, sharing one’s thoughts about how important education is and making it a priority is recommended.

“Additionally, verbal communication between the parent-child-school is a major factor to ensure a smooth transition will take place,” he said.

Trifonoff also believes that establishing and following a routine is helpful for a student.

“As research indicates, school attendance is the No. 1 factor to school success. In order to be successful, students need to be in school every day. I understand there are circumstances where a student cannot attend school (i.e. sick) and that is understandable,” he said.

“With the innovative technology platforms that have evolved during the pandemic (Zoom, Google Hangout, Google Classroom, Progress Book, etc.), I would encourage students who are not able to be in school, for whatever reason, to stay current with their academics by accessing these platforms.”

Trifonoff said he would encourage his teachers to continue using these platforms as well to post information and assignments to help students who are not in the classroom stay current.

He added that some former remote learners may need some extra help in the classroom this year.

“Those students who struggled under the remote learning option will need additional support provided to ensure they are successful when they return to the building,” Trifonoff said. “Some of these students may be credit deficient due to the lack of academic success under the remote learning model and a student success plan will need to be developed for these students to get them back on track. Again, having involved parents will make this transition a much easier process for these students.”

Trifonoff added that he wants parents to know that when they enter their school buildings this year they will be in a “safe learning environment where educational opportunities exist to ensure all students are successful.”

“To the students, you only have one go around at being young and you should make the most out of your academics as well as being involved in curricular/extra-curricular activities at school. Always remember, what can I do tomorrow to make myself better than I was today?” he said.

The Switzerland of Ohio Local School District’s first day of school is Aug. 31.

Brent Ripley, superintendent of the Bridgeport Exempted Villa​ge School District, said his district had a great school year in 2020-21 despite the pandemic. He noted most of the year his students were in class five days a week.

“Thankfully, many of the safety precautions we took last year will carry over to this year,” he said. “The transition for those students that chose online learning will have an adjustment this year. Parents just need to be as supportive as possible with their children. Please remember that we are here to help and if they need anything, to please contact their child’s teacher.”

Ripley does not believe it will be more difficult for former remote learners to come back to the buildings.

“We have a faculty that is all about establishing positive relationships with their students. They do such a great job of helping our students reach their fullest potential and providing the help and support that each individual student needs,” he said.

Ripley said the educators are “thrilled” to have students coming back on Aug. 19.

“Please remember that we are here for your children and want them to succeed. This year, we will all need to be flexible, forward thinking and work together. This is such an exciting time for our students and district. Go Dogs!” he said.

Kim Leonard, superintendent of Buckeye Local School District, said parents should make sure their children get a good night’s sleep each night before school. They should also eat breakfast. She noted the school district is offering free breakfast and lunch to all its students this year.

Julie Packer, principal at Buckeye South Elementary School, said it is helpful if parents are patient with their children and educators because starting a new school year is a big adjustment for both.

Mary Matthews, a second grade teacher at Buckeye South Elementary School, said one of the best things a parent can do for their child is to have a positive attitude about going back to school. If the parents are positive about school and learning, it should help the children be positive, too.

“It takes time to get them into a routine. … We’re excited about being back and we want the kids to be excited, too,” Matthews said.

The Buckeye Local School District’s first day of school is Aug. 25.

Angela Hannahs, superintendent of the Barnesville Exempted Village School District, said parents should talk to their children before the first day of school and try to answer any questions their child might have about the new school year.

“If they do not know the answer to the questions, families should reach out to the school district. Discussing the morning routine for school as well as a daily schedule is also helpful for students,” Hannahs said.

For kids who were fully remote last year, parents may need to review plans to stay organized with their child. She also recommends for early learners to read with them as much as possible.

“Many schools have online programs in math and language arts that are available throughout the summer and students should take advantage of those situations. We have Lexia and Accelerated Reader at Barnesville for students to access throughout the summer,” she said.

Hannahs said she does believe it will be more difficult for former remote learners to come back to their school buildings this year.

“We are aware that many students are transitioning from a year and a half of remote learning and understand the difficulties that may create,” she said. “Each year, we administer diagnostic assessments that will inform us of a student’s strengths and areas of weakness. From these results, we will develop an educational plan that focuses on these areas.”

Hannahs said her educators “strive to create a safe and effective learning environment” for all the students. She recommends that parents who have questions as the year goes on to call their child’s principal.

The Barnesville Exempted Village School District’s first day of school is Aug. 19.