Glenys Hill, Superintendent

Tips for Parents and Grandparents
I can think of no more worthy -- or challenging -- work in life than parenting children. While the year is still young, I am reminded of some good resolutions for parents that Family Circle Magazine once printed. I cannot honestly report to you that I have always been able to follow these, but I have been diligent in my efforts over the years. I have found that parenting doesn’t end when our children reach adulthood, or even when they become parents themselves. These few guidelines continue to inspire and guide my interactions with my own children and grandchildren. I hope you find them helpful.

• I will always love my children for who they are – not who I want them to be. It’s an important distinction,
• I will give my child space to grow, to dream, to succeed , and even to fail. Without that space, no growth can occur.
• I will create a loving home environment, regardless of what effort it takes at a given time.
  
• I will let my children know that I disapprove of behavior, not who they are.
  
• I will set limits and help my chidren find security in the knowledge of what is expected of them. They will not have to guess what is right or wrong.
  
• I will make time for all my children and cherish our moments together.
  
• I will not burden my children with emotions and problems they are not
  equipped to deal with.
  
• I will encourage my children to experience the world and all its possibilities, taking pains to leave them careful but not fearful.
• I will be the kind of person I want my children to be: loving, fair-minded, giving, and hopeful.

Key Communicators Network
This year we will be rolling out a new Internet communications project. Our Key Communicators Network will help us to maintain and strengthen connections between district decision-makers and the community. In other words, as a Key Communicator, you can help shape the future of Kelso Public Schools.

Key Communicators will participate by email. There will be no scheduled meetings. No requirement to respond to every communication. Periodically I will post informational emails to our Key Communicators Network. These will focus on specific issues, such as student performance, school board actions, budget matters and community relations. In turn, I will invite you to send your questions, thoughts and opinions directly to me. These, I will share with the School Board of Directors, as well as appropriate staff members.

We will be inviting parents, grandparents, students, local business people and clerical leaders -- people like you who have something value to say to help ensure the success of your public schools.

We hope you will take advantage of our key communicators network to continue to help us as we monitor and adjust the work of Kelso School District. Watch our home page for more information.