A Note from the Superintendent 

May 2008

Dear Paso Robles Public Schools’ Families,

If you want to get your kids into learning, but you have a limited budget, try some of the following suggestions for inexpensive ways to inspire young minds:

• Help your children appreciate musical styles. Tune into a classical station, and encourage your kids to move to the music. Then switch to jazz. Keep switching stations, and when you're done, talk to your children about how the music made them feel and move.
• Take your child to a story hour at the local library or to a local bookstore. While you're at the library, be sure to check out some books.
• Check out an educational video from the local library.
• Go to the beach and collect driftwood and seashells. Take the loot home, and help your child make art projects out of the finds. Have an art show. Hang the pieces on the wall, and don't forget to put up strips of paper with the titles of the artwork.
• Visit a state park. Before you go, call or check the Internet for any free programs the park might offer for children.
• Buy some seeds. Ask your child to keep a plant journal, and do the same thing yourself as you watch the plants grow. Compare your observations.
• Go outside at night and look at the stars. Help your child pick out constellations. Check out museums, historical societies, and similar sites in the community.

Get out there and have some fun. The best memories are those that are free!

Kathleen McNamara, Ed.D.

Superintendent