From staff reports

Albert Lea students got off to a good start a day ahead of the actual start of school Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 01, 1999

Albert Lea students got off to a good start a day ahead of the actual start of school Tuesday.

In a unique approach to orientating students, parents and teachers alike, all three met on Tuesday to discuss the start of elementary school today.

These before-the-school year interviews are important for several reasons.

Principally, they involve parents in the education process.

That’s important. Instead of merely waiting until well into the school year to invite parents to conferences, the local school district invites parents in the days before school to help get the year off to a good start.

It is a chance for parents to share their educational concerns and goals with teachers, and to discuss any special needs. It is a chance for teachers to gain a better understanding of each child, before the students ever step into the classroom. It’s also a chance for children to see, with the help of their parents, exactly where they’re expected to be the next morning, which no doubt eliminates some of the first-day trepidation.

For every student, the quality of education today will determine success later in life. Every single effort counts.

That’s why it is exciting to see Albert Lea schools and parents getting together to help build success from day one.