There’s no doubt that school can be challenging—academically, emotionally, and developmentally. At Wallace Lake K-8, our goal is to support you and your family in meeting those challenges and preparing for success in high school and beyond.

A great starting point is setting high expectations for your child’s learning and behavior. Whether in education or business, it’s widely understood that people tend to rise—or fall—to meet the expectations set for them. So, expect the best!

Be mindful of the messages you send at home. Phrases like “No one in our family is good at math” may seem harmless, but children often adopt the attitudes and beliefs of their parents. Even if a subject isn’t your strength, you can model persistence and positivity. Try saying, “This is tough, but I’m smart enough to figure it out!” That kind of mindset can be contagious—and transformative.

Another key to success is breaking big tasks into manageable steps. Anything worth doing will likely be difficult at first—just like learning the alphabet once was! You won’t finish school in one day, and that’s okay. Focus on one assignment at a time. When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself: progress is made step by step.

Finally, it’s exciting to know that every time we learn, our brains are literally growing and changing. The more we practice, the smarter we become. And what’s more fun than getting smarter?