Students of USD 234 district's four-year-old preschool participate in several activities and become acquainted on their first day back in school. -- Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo [Click to enlarge]

The Fort Scott Tribune

With back-packs loaded full of school supplies, USD 234 students returned to school on Thursday morning.

Whether a student was attending school for the first time as a kindergartner, transferring from another school, or returning for another year, teachers and staff were on hand Thursday morning to greet each one.

Fort Scott Middle School Principal Barbara Albright said the first day of classes at the middle school went really well. To ensure the year is successful for every student, Albright said communication between parents and teachers is imperative.

"It is extremely important to have a good working relationship between home and school," Albright said.

According to Albright, the middle school offers several programs which help parents stay informed about their children's school performance.

One such program, In Touch Online, is offered at both FSMS and Fort Scott High School. Registering with this program allows parents online access to their student's grades, attendance, and discipline reports.

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Parents who wish to register can do so online at www.usd234.org by selecting "student status." Once the school receives a parent's registration, a user name and password will be created. The school will contact registering parents when their account information is ready to be personally picked up in the school office. Parents may keep track of their student's records through this program. The password will work every year through their children's 12th grade year, according to printed information provided by Albright.

Parents and students can also view FSMS intramural schedules, concert dates, news and other announcements at www.thezonelive.com. In addition, parents can access a homework link on this page.

This year, all school district parents have the option to receive emergency information, school closings, early dismissal, and event reminders on their cell phones or through their e-mail. Any parent wishing to sign up for this program may do so on the school district's Web site.

Parents who want to keep informed about homework assignments, may access the information hotline at (620) 223-8924. Not only can parents access homework for each grade level, they can also stay informed about intramural information, school closings, and other general information such as parent/teacher conferences.

To help first time Winfield Scott parents get acquainted with the school, Winfield Scott Principal Dave Elliott said the school will conduct a new parent meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday. At the meeting, Winfield Scott personnel will discuss reading and mathematics, special education and Title I services, homework, sick children, discipline procedures, building security and volunteers. This will also be a time for parents new to the school to ask any questions they may have.