Now that the school year is in full swing, some students are already trying to play the skipping game - telling parents it’s okay for them to miss a day or two, since they won’t really miss anything. Experts say - that’s the worst thing you can do for them. Former Decatur City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols sat down with WAFF 48 anchor Trent Butler to talk about it. Click here for entire interview: https://www.waff.com/2019/08/27/why-school-attendance-matters/?fbclid=I

Effective communication is a two way street. Hear our executive director, Elizabeth Dotts Fleming, share a few tips. - Know your child’s teacher’s preferred method - Communicate concerns early - Keep a level head and focus on solutions. Click here for complete interview: https://www.waff.com/2019/08/20/covering-our-schools-communicating-with-your-childs-teacher/?fbclid=IwAR0ploCKxDU9sAGJNlUO1Fhij5Mt92CqgXLcLfL-37aAcFhv9KV4m1ycvtI

It’s critical for parents to stay engaged with the system, even after Back to School night and Meet the Teacher parties are over. Get involved! Click here for complete interview: https://www.waff.com/2019/08/13/staying-engaged-with-your-childs-school/

Students across Madison County are back in school. A few tips to ensure the return to school is smooth for parents: Make sure your contact information is correct, read those back to school newsletters, send your students to school rested and make those transition times (wake up, school and bus and drop-offs) count. See interview: https://www.waff.com/video/2019/08/06/making-sure-parents-are-ready-school/?fbclid=IwAR3942u9KeRlAblbhS53lOLMo3xLCt5XgNDwbvGchYhzlJUuIDvpJEiCj-U

Preet Francis talks about expectations for the first day of school. Parents should consult the school website for important dates, school start and dismissal times, and bus route changes. Click here for the complete interview: https://www.waff.com/video/2019/08/05/back-school-shopping-with-preeti-francis/?fbclid=IwAR0zFkfmEsajQxtvFv1e4TYKZzkT1aSxs1k-SBzyqVACqjXJWw6xJRxXHiM