School Series : Be a partner with your child’s school

Being a partner with your child’s school means working together with teachers, assistants, the nurse, counselors, and the principal to do what’s best for your child. Here is how to do that:
• Volunteer to help. If you can, spend some time at your child’s school. You will develop a good relationship with your child’s teachers. Helping at your child’s school can give you a better idea of the people and programs that are available to your child. Offer to help out in the school library or classroom. Volunteer to chaperone a field trip, be a “class parent,” or share something special about your job with your child’s class. Volunteer to work at the refreshment stand at a football game, or offer to drive students to volunteer in a community program. If you can’t be in school during the day, you can offer to type up field-trip forms or class lists, make class phone calls for the teacher, donate supplies, or make nutritious snacks for the class. You might organize a study group for the students before a big test or final exams. Serve “brain food.” Teachers will appreciate the fact that you care and that you are helping, even when you’re helping out from home.

• Participate in school events throughout the year. It can be difficult to find the time to attend games, concerts, plays, or other activities at school, but it’s important to do it when you can. Invite other family members and good friends—people who know your child well—to join you for these events. Try to attend school events designed for parents, such as back-to-school nights, an open house, or the college or university fair. Join the parent-teacher organization at your school.



• Show your appreciation. Teaching is a tough job. Remember to thank your child’s teachers and to show your appreciation throughout the year. Write a note or stop in to say “thank you” when your child enjoys a particular study unit or the teacher has given your child extra help.

• Speak positively about school and the teacher. Try not to criticize a teacher, assignment, or school policy in front of your child. If you disagree with the teacher about something, work with the teacher to resolve the problem. Adults and children need to be a team that works together, celebrates successes together, and solves problems together. It does not help your child to be stuck in the middle with parent and teacher criticizing each other. Find a way to be a successful team helping your child.

Source : Barney J Brawer & Elizabeth Dore Ed. Ceridian Corporation.2005