Tribute and Thanks
Dear Editor: At the end of every election there is one thing that stands above all else and that is to thank those that supported me in my effort to represent District 35. To them, I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks. Both friends and strangers assisted and guided me throughout the campaign. I felt blessed at the gift of their hospitality and generosity.
To me everything is an education. I will take back the knowledge I have gained on the campaign trail to the Assembly, thereby making me a more effective member. Again thanks to all…!
Richard Wein, Sitka
Support Education
Dear Editor: Today we celebrate American Education Week by honoring parents and the things they do to prepare their children for learning. Students’ homes and classrooms are the focus of their learning experiences from kindergarten through high school. Parent involvement is a key factor in student success!
There are many ways parents can show that they are engaged and supportive of their child’s education. Start by establishing a line of communication with your child’s teacher. Get to know your child’s teacher by attending parent/teacher conferences and volunteering in your child’s classroom.
Establish a bedtime routine to ensure your child has plenty of sleep. Sleep is critical to your child’s learning. Children who do not get enough sleep have difficulty learning new things, and also have more difficulty with challenging social situations than their peers.
Get them involved with sports. Research has shown that participation in sports leads to happier families, better communication skills, plus the social, educational and health benefits. If your child isn’t interested in sports, there are many other extracurricular activities available for them. These activities instill values like teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of community.
Read with and to your child every day! Reading exercises our brains. It helps the reader to make new connections, improves concentration, teaches children about the world around them, develops a child’s imagination, develops empathy, and is a great way to spend time together! Research has shown that children who are good readers tend to achieve better across the curriculum.
These are but a few suggestions to help your child. Many more resources can be found online.
Gina Lawson, Sitka,
Retired First Grade teacher
