It's almost that time of year when you have to start shopping for school supplies, new clothes and after school programs. Those are the basic telltale signs that a new school year is beginning. Savvy parents know however, that it should not stop there. Make sure that you take the time to meet with your child's new teachers at the beginning of the year. Explain to the teacher what your expectations are for your child and let their teachers know that you are there to be supportive in this effort. Try to get an idea what your child's teachers expect from you as a parent and from your child as a student. Inform the teacher to alert you if there is any decrease in academic performance, or if any behavior problems arise. Express to your child's teachers that you do not like being blindsided by unsuspecting progress reports that indicate your child is not doing well. However, be clear that poor performance is not the only time you want to hear from them.
Furthermore, inform your child's teachers of any free time that you might have to volunteer. Get involved with the school as much as you possibly can. If your schedule prevents you from volunteering during the day at any time, work with the school's administrators and PTA to find activities that can occur outside of school hours. Be creative and committed. Do not wait to be invited. Take the initiative. You don't wait until the bank invites you to come and check on your money do you? You wouldn't care if your money was housed in a bank where you thought people didn't like you, you would walk in and demand to see how your money is being handled. You pay attention to your paychecks....you know when they are coming and if they are not what they should be. Well, your children are worth so much more than your money. Be just as tenacious about their education.
Additionally, provide methods of communication for your child's school. (i.e., cell phone, email) Emails are great ways to communicate when you cannot be present for conferences. Talk to your child's school about email conferences.
Finally, be pleasant. Some teachers are guarded at the beginning of the year. Do not come off as intimidating or neurotic. This is not to say don't be assertive or feel entitled, but the adage that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar rings true. So be cordial and be sincere, but by all means parents, be involved! © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
6 comments:
Sheila, I think that is excellent advice. I wish I felt that the parents that most need this advice had access to computers though ...
Lyn
It is good to meet with your child's parents. The child will probably be more active in school and do well as they advance in school.
I believe the children are our future...But really, your message had much truth to it. Being envolved shows that you care and it is a manifestation of the deep love you have for your little ones. I just wish there were more parents who love and enjoy their children like we do. Peace.
Thanks Keith...
Sheila:
You speak wisdom and common sense. Even with my dedication I sometimes find it difficult to be involved with my little ones. However, this year I have self-pledge to be a more active/attentive parent.
Its imperative that we do so, as professionals, everyday workers, and single parents; we need to dedicate as much of us as possible or our youth will be lost.
Being involved means being a part of the solution. Being involved means not being a complainer, an excuse-maker, a blamer. Being involved means that you have received a part of the Divine Message that was given to the first of the Prophets and Messengers of God. By knowing this it propels us to make the impossible possible. We must rise out of the ashes like the phoenix and assert ourselves.
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