Involvement idea...

I am at the Parent Engagement Summit today. I am telling you this only to say that parents are a priority at A.Z. Kelley. I attended a fabulous session on parenting as a divorced parent and step parent. If you are interested in more information  on this, the presenter said she would come to the school- I mean it- she was FABULOUS.

APD Update, gradespeed, etc.

A huge thanks to Kroger on Nolensville and Concord Rd. for proving the food for All Pro Dad. We are still working on some technology issues, but once that's done, I think it's smooth sailing!

Please forgive me for not posting lately, either my laptop or blogger is messed up, so it has been a little over a week since the last post.

I still cannot log into gradespeed! I have mnps workings to fix my account, and will let you know as soon as that is corrected. Sorry for the wait!

Addressing Issue of Dad's Breakfast, But Not One for Mom

There was a comment on a Parent Survey asking why there is not an All Pro Mom Breakfast. Although this is a wonderful idea, and we have discussed doing something like this, there are several reasons we have not done it.
1. It simply is not feasible. We are completely reliant on donations for our breakfasts, in addition to personnel in attendance donating their time (though they enjoy it and do not mind!!) and being limited to what staff is available due to the need to be preparing for and accepting students at that time. 
2.All Pro Dad is a large undertaking: Tracking down food donations, preparing materials, set up, contacts, securing translators, etc.
3. The "All Pro Dad" program was already set up by the National PTA and endorsed by the NFL and Tony Dungy. It is an entity of Family First. The curriculum is provided for us. If you go to the website, they have an "imom" program, and you can sign up for emails.
4. ALL caregivers are invited to All Pro Dad. Although Dad is who we target, anyone who fills that role within your home or for your child is always welcome. We are aware of the fact that not every child has a father who can attend. I have attended events like this for my child in the past when my husband has been on business trips. We all do what we need to and every family is different.
5. Finally, if you look at data/ reports, not necessarily at Kelley but across the nation, it is the father figure who is often left out of the child's education. Typically, mom is involved. This is a chance to involve the dads, and encourage them to spend quality time with their children.

I encourage you to contact me if you have any further comments or suggestions. Hopefully I have answered this parent's question.
Thank you,
Emily Graves

Idea to Share: The Bored Box

You know all of these great ideas for activties, games, and crafts you find in magazines or are sent home from school? You know how you forget about them almost as soon as you read them, or find it difficult to set aside the time to fit them in? I started the "Bored Box" at my house. Everytime I tear a page from a magazine, etc., I fold it up and put it in this tupperware box. Anytime my children say, "I bored!" we draw something out of the box. We finally get a chance to use those great ideas we never were able to do before.

If you have any great tips like this, please leave a comment!
Thanks,
Emily

Join us...

Wed. Oct. 3rd for Walk to School Day!