It is that exciting time of year again…new sneakers, backpack, and pencils - a fresh school year is all about “new beginnings.” Social media platforms and cell phone cameras will be sending pictures of smiling students throughout the cyber world to family members around the globe; there is only one first week of school each year!

We know it is time for the school season in AZ when: 1) the monsoons finally arrive; 2) the “snowbirds” begin their return migration; 3) the temperature only drops to 90 degrees at night; 4) the hot steering wheel in your car requires two fingers to drive; and 5) the unheated swimming pool reaches 95 degrees. The last summer adventure has been completed and now it is time for school.

As a parent, the early days of school are a great opportunity to set your student up for success for the entire year. Here are my top five tips: 1) wean off of the summer bedtime hours ASAP; 2) go to the school to introduce your student to any new routines or staff members; 3) discuss with your student how you can help support them to make this school year, the “best year yet;” 4) talk to your student about opportunities for participation in clubs, groups, or teams. Students who plug into groups outside of the classroom are better balanced, learn cooperation and leadership skills, and are more likely to succeed in school; and 5) focus on developing a family routine of at least one meal together a day; this will provide a natural structure for school-day discussions throughout the year.

School starts August 7. Have a great school year!
Curtis Finch, PhD

Dr. Finch is the Superintendent of Deer Valley Unified School District and can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org.

Curtis Finch, PhD

Dr. Finch’s quest for educational excellence began at an early age in Alaska with his mother as a school bus driver and father as the school district’s maintenance director; the school system was the center of the community. As a young adult, Curtis utilized the long summer days to skipper a commercial fishing boat, work construction, and mine gold to pay for his college education.

Curtis received a BA in Secondary Mathematics, a MA in Administration, and a PhD in Education. Dr. Finch has spent 24 years in administration at the Middle School, High School, Superintendent, and ISD levels. He has received two state Winner’s Circle awards and a Region III Superintendent of the Year award. The past eighteen years as a Superintendent has afforded Curt opportunities to shape educational issues, testifying before the Michigan Legislature, the FCC in Washington DC, and serving on local, state, and national committees. He has also passed multiple school levies, recently securing a $40 million Special Education Enhancement Millage and later creating Meceola Technical College for vocationally training adults.

Dr. Finch is married to Angie and has a daughter who is a math professor and a son who is completing his eye doctor residency.