Today on Mississippi Education Connection we discuss Charter Schools in Mississippi with our guest, Dr. Lisa Karmacharya, Executive Director for the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board. Listen as she talks about her role as Executive Director, their mission and plans for reopening in the fall. Plus, we will talk to Yolanda Davis who has a child enrolled in a charter school to get a parent's perspective.

For more information on Charter Schools in MS visit: https://www.charterschoolboard.ms.gov/

If you're transitioning your child to a new school this fall, it's important to realize that this change isn't going to be a walk in the park, but it won’t be a disaster either. Here are a few tips to help with the transition to a new school:

• Talk It Out
• Ask your child questions about how they feel, what they are most excited about and what they are worried about
• Keep calm 
• Take a deep breath and don’t over-think or question your decision or situation too much
• Use online resources
• Read teacher blog posts, school newsletters and join Facebook groups. If your town has School Choice, try to read up and visit as many schools as possible to get a feel for them
• Be an advocate for your student
• If your child has special needs of any kind, don’t hesitate to connect with teachers or specialists that you think will benefit from learning a bit more about your child before school starts
• If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or needs special services, find out what is available in the school for your family. If you have concerns about the school, talk to other parents to see if they have similar concerns. You may find that you are worried for nothing or that parents are working together with the school to make changes. This could be a great way to get involved
• Keep old back-to-school routines
• Sticking with as many familiar routines or rituals as possible will make those first days back less overwhelming. Play it cool and treat day one like any other first day of school. After everyone is settled in, celebrate the successful transition

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