Video Transcript:
Hello Konocti Parents,
I’m Becky Salato, Konocti Superintendent
During the last two years, the pandemic has interrupted all sorts of important experiences, for adults and children alike. Our youngest students have never had a normal school year, and the last time our incoming high school class had a normal year, they were in fifth grade. It’s no wonder that students are having a hard time adjusting to school this year.
How do we know students are struggling?
We see students struggling academically, socially and emotionally. Some are having a hard time understanding the class lessons. Others are acting out in class and on campus, either because they are in emotional distress or because they do not understand how they are supposed to behave.
At Konocti Unified, our goal is to create an environment where students can focus on learning. For kids to learn, they have to feel safe. To feel safe, they need structure--and structure is built on common expectations. It is up to us as educators and parents to help students understand how to get their own needs met in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others.
At school, we are not trying to impose a sense of order because we want power over anyone. We are trying to impose a sense of order because we know this allows students to learn.
If a teacher or counselor calls home to discuss your child’s lack of progress or disruptive behavior, please know that it is never intended as an insult, but rather, as a way to reach out and work together to help your student. We know you cannot fix problems if you don’t know about them.
Here are some ways you can help your young student adjust:
- Explain that sometimes they must wait their turn.
- Explain why it is important to listen to the teacher.
- Ask them to consider how other people feel.
- Explain why school is important.
Here are some ways you can help your older student adjust:
- Discuss ways to manage strong emotions, especially anger, to avoid conflict.
- Explain why there is a dress code at school.
- Remember that teens are not as emotionally mature as they like to pretend. They often have a hard time putting things in perspective. Consider sharing some of your own challenges at their age and how you dealt with them.
If you would like support, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher, counselor, or principal. We're here to support you and your student.