Settling into a new school year can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. We are now a school with 2 separate buildings, we have new faculty and staff, and all of our classrooms are in new places with new equipment. While we love our new spaces and faces, we also are mindful of the fact that we will need some time to settle into all that is new. I would like to share with you what we have been doing with your students and give you some helpful tips as well:
1. Establishing a Routine: Our teachers directly taught students the procedures for their classroom, schedules for the day, and what exactly would be expected of them. When we take the time to establish a specific way of doing things and explain the series of actions to be conducted in a certain manner or order, we are helping the students create muscle memory that takes the load off their working memory and processing. The result is that students will be able to conduct these actions automatically and have more capacity to process their academic learning. The same can be said for establishing morning and evening routines at home.
2. Talking with your child: We conducted numerous discussions and “get to know you” activities so that we can build the trust that leads to connection and genuine relationships. Letting your child know that we are all in this together, helps them to feel supported and keeps the lines of communication open.
3. Doing your homework: This has to do with being prepared, having the right tools, knowing where to be at the right time, and knowing what to do when you get there. Please take advantage of all the information we send out to you. If you ever have any questions or would just like to know more, please reach out to me. I am here to serve and support you in your experience here at Fortune Academy.
4. Taking the pressure off: Instead of focusing on academic achievement, new friends, and if everything is working exactly like I think it should allow some time to let everyone find their strong footing without any outside pressure to perform. The best thing we can all do is stay calm and positive. Fortune Academy is a school for students with learning differences to find a place where they belong, a place where they are seen and heard and given the tools they need to succeed. So as we unpack our new school supplies, our new furniture, and fill out the new forms, may we keep our focus on the fact that your student is in a community that is 100% dedicated to meeting their needs. You are now a part of the Fortune Family. We look forward to partnering with you for a fantastic 2022-23 school year.