Reminds All Californians That They Have a Stake in Student Success

SACRAMENTO – On the first day back to school for many California students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell released a new short video on YouTube aimed at reminding students that learning can be fun.

"This video is meant to be fun but deliver an important message – that everyone has a stake in the success of our students, including students themselves," O'Connell said. "School is where we make friends, gain knowledge, develop creativity and critical thinking skills, and even learn about exercise and nutrition. I want every California student to develop a love of learning and enjoy going to school. California's future depends on the young people in our schools today. Everyone in our state needs to be concerned about student achievement, including parents, teachers, administrators, our business community, and public officials, in addition to our students."

O'Connell's Welcome Back to School YouTube video is 2 minutes long. It can be viewed on YouTube at: Welcome Back to School [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnpuxGj5UA8] (Outside Source) or on TeacherTube.com at TeacherTube - Back to School [http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=cc463c7d7ecba17cc9de] (Outside Source).

The video features O'Connell and students at Bret Harte Elementary School in Sacramento.

The video shows examples of students having fun at school and also includes a Top Ten list of ways to enhance learning for students. O'Connell's list of Top Ten Ways to Have a Great School Year is as follows:

Read for fun

Schoolbooks aren't the only books you can read. Learn to read for pleasure. You'll do better in school and be a learner for life.

Turn off the TV and get creative

Develop your own creativity by playing games, acting in your own plays, drawing, playing a musical instrument, singing, cooking, sewing. The only limit is the limit of your own ideas. Challenge your imagination everyday.

Get plenty of rest

You can't learn if you are not focused and rested, so always get enough sleep.

Eat healthy and exercise

Staying active and staying fit will help you stay sharp in school. A good breakfast every morning can help you get an "A." Don't miss the most important meal of the day.

Don't give up, ask for help

If you get a bad grade, ask for help and give it another shot.

Learn by helping others

You can learn so much by helping others. Volunteer to help a new student get settled in your school. Volunteer in your community.

Make friends who are different

Learn about classmates from other cultures and respect their differences. Open your mind and expand your world by sharing customs, holidays, games, and family stories with someone whose background is different than your own.

Schedule time for homework every day

Create a well-lit, organized, and quiet place where you can do homework or work on long-term projects. If you don't have homework on a particular day, read or create a special art piece. Make this time a part of your daily routine. Always be organized with your notes, assignments, projects, and test dates.

Volunteer to be a mentor

Mentoring or tutoring a younger student will reinforce what you know, increase your confidence, and make you feel great!

Set your sights high

When you set high goals for yourself and work toward them each day, you'll be amazed at what you'll achieve!