St. Louis, MO — Educators and school psychologists agree that getting a child’s school year off to a good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence, and performance both socially and academically. And, what better way to contribute to a positive and productive school experience for a child than to express encouragement in a letter suggests Postmaster Nancy Fryrear.

Fryrear is asking parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to write a letter to your favorite student to let him/her know you are proud of him/her for going to school and participating in school activities. Tell the student, in simple terms, the importance of school and that you know they will take advantage of all that school has to offer. You might want to relate a special memory you have from your school days, too.

“There’s nothing like a note or letter of encouragement to a child during his first few weeks of school,” said Fryrear “It helps set the tone for the year and communicates your support and understanding as a child begins a new grade or perhaps, strikes out on a new adventure as a college student away from home.”

Your encouragement and the fact that you took the time to write a personal letter to the child will have a lasting impact on their educational experience. More importantly, your letter will send the message that you value the child and you believe his education is important.

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