Ware administrators provide tips for new school year

Date: 8/16/2023

WARE — At Ware Public Schools, the 2023-2024 school year begins for students in grades 1-12 on Thursday, Aug. 24. Students in kindergarten with last names A-M start on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and students in kindergarten with last names N-Z start on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Superintendent Michael Lovato stated, “What’s going to be different this year is recognizing the challenges that the past few years may have posed, we are steadfastly committed to implementing targeted strategies that will lead to academic resurgence.”

Principal Pamela Iwasinski at Stanley M. Koziol Elementary is looking forward to welcoming back students this fall. She feels extremely fortunate to be the principal of a building with such amazing students, a motivated and dedicated staff, and parents and guardians who work with them and support them each and every day.

“We strive to make the process of learning an enjoyable experience for every student,” Iwasinski said. “We look forward to working together with you to make your child’s educational experience a positive one.”

Here are some helpful hits Iwasinski has for parents/guardians this school year:

• Establish good nighttime routines in preparation for school to start again. The first week or two are often the hardest for children who are not used to the school schedule, help them adjust the week before by getting to bed earlier and getting up earlier.
• Read with them as much as you can. You can read to them and let them read to you. It is such an important skill in elementary school and students who read in both environments tend to improve literacy skills and may even develop a love for reading. There are a lot of books that talk about the first day of school in kindergarten, first grade and second grade.
• Check the school website for information on the necessary school supplies in hopes to get some items before the first day of school. https://smk.wareps.org/for_parents/school_supplies.
• Talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Listen to their concerns and excitement and acknowledge their feelings. Ask questions and follow up with the school if you need to know any more information about the upcoming school year.
• Have a positive attitude about the school year. Children tend to follow the emotions and opinions of their parents or caregivers. A strong home to school connection can foster a positive school year for a student and can impact their education. If there are any challenges during the school year in school or at home, let the schools help. Reach out to the principal, her door is always open.

As principal of the Ware Middle School, Kimberly Thompson’s goal is to ensure that all families and students feel welcome and part of the school community.

Thompson said, “It is our hope that all who are part of the school feel comfortable to reach out to share their excitement, suggestions for improving their students’ educational experience, and our successes.”
She went on to say, “It takes a village to raise a child who is ready to take on the world after they graduate, we are the group of people who need to work together to ensure they are supported to take on any challenge.”

There have been some changes in personnel at Ware Junior/Senior High School. The biggest being Scott Slattery who will be serving as the interim principal this year as former principal Eugene Rich has moved on to another district.

“I am excited and honored to be part of an amazing district with so many great things going along with the teachers and staff,” Slattery said. “I will work hard to continue striving for academic excellence and bringing a culture to our school that represents positivity, encouragement and support for all the needs of our learning community.”

Slattery looks forward to building strong relationships with the parents, students and community members. As interim principal, he said it is important for him that whoever walks through their doors has the opportunity to be a part of the success that they offer at the Ware Junior/Senior High School.

Slattery believes that everyone deserves a chance to experience a positive, and supportive learning environment. It is imperative that they work together to create success through teamwork, positive leadership and collateral support for all teachers, staff and students.

There are many things that Ware Junior/Senior High School will keep in place from last year, but one of their biggest pushes this year and beyond for them is to build a culture of achievement at WJSHS. Slattery told Reminder Publishing this is multi-faceted and encompasses a laser-like focus on academics, social-emotional support, improved communication between school and home, creating a more positive atmosphere, and making sure WJSHS remains a safe place for all students and staff. They have a solid team in place who are excited to make WJSHS even better than it already is.

Besides some personnel changes, Slattery said Ware Junior/Senior High School’s goal is to continue to build and get better at all facets of their school.

Slattery said, “It’s always helpful to encourage your students to have a positive attitude when starting back at school. For our new students, it’s a new challenge, a new world, and a place where they will make new friends in no time.”

He went on to say, “For our returning students, they should expect some small changes, but overall, it’s business as usual. It’s important for students and families to stay engaged in their school community. Whether it’s sports, clubs, activities or events, get involved in one way or another. You’ll build better bridges and connections this way that will serve you well today and in the future.”

Visit Ware Public Schools website at www.wareps.org. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.