by Lynn Stewart
As we embark upon a new school year in a few weeks. I feel it is important for youth and adults to work together to insure a successful educational experience.

To our youth, let me begin by informing you that obtaining your education is not an opinion. In order to achieve any success in life today you must have an education. This education must include academic and vocational experiences.

I challenge you to increase your level of educational functioning and performance by doing the following things this up-and-coming school year. 1). Organize your study time. 2). Apply yourself to the study task at hand, and 3) Stay focused, seek to master the educational task placed before you.

If you do not understand any of the information your teacher is explaining, do not be afraid to ask for further explanation of an educational problem or seek additional help from your teacher or tutor after class.

Remember you are not dumb when you do not know something, you are dumb when you do not know, and do not seek to find the correct answer.

Parents it is important you take the time to find out daily, how your child's educational experience is progressing. I challenge all parents to practice the following steps to insure your children have a successful school year. 1.) Schedule a time each day to discuss how their day went at school. 2). Ask you child each day if they have any homework assignments. 3). Discuss and review all homework assignments with them, and 4). Communicate with your child's teacher about their progress or the school counselor.

Only when we define and work together to insure the best educational experiences for youth returning to school, will we as a community be able to see the fruits from our children's educational journey.