Thursday, September 29, 2016

What Education Staff Want Parents to Know

What Education Staff Want Parents to Know

My first blog is titled, “What Education Staff Want Parents to Know” because having a strong partnership between home and school is, in my opinion, the most essential ingredient for student success.  Below I have created a top 5 list of what I believe parents should know.  

1.  You are your child's first teacher. You have more of an impact on your child’s values, behavior, expectations, work ethic, and actions than any other person in the world. If you value education, your child will know that doing their best in school is important. Early foundations are formed when your child is born when the brain is developing and growing at a rapid rate.  Talk, Sing, Read, Play.  You matter! You can make the difference!

2.  We care a great deal about your child and we want what is best for them.  We aren’t perfect and we will make mistakes, but trust us as professionals.   School and home environments are quite different, and there may be times children behave differently when forced to follow rules and work with peers. Listen to what staff members have to say and work with them to find solutions to any problems.  Because we care, we will hold students to high expectations. We are here to ensure that your child can succeed and your support and encouragement are necessary. Your child's success is our success!

3.  Communicate with us.  If you're having an issue with a staff member, your child, your child’s work or grades, talk directly with the staff member before going to the principal or other administrators. Most problems can be resolved between staff members and parents with a simple phone call or email alerting of the situation. 

4.  Be an involved Parent.  Ask your child about their school day.  Check their folders, agendas, and the parent portal for grades.  This not only helps you stay on top of updates and what's going on in the classroom, but it also shows your child that you are checking in and that you care. Attend school events and ask if you can volunteer or provide assistance to staff.  Students love to see their families at school and to “show off” their work environment.

5.  Celebrate your student’s accomplishments.  Set expectations that require your child to put forth their best effort and when they do, say things like, “Great job!” and “I’m proud of you.”  There will always will be someone in the world who is smarter, more athletic, more musical, more… than your child.  Students learn and develop at different rates, so let their skills and talents emerge naturally. Don't put so much pressure on your child that it causes them to dislike learning, playing a sport or musical instrument. Failure and challenges teach students new skills, and, most importantly, teaches them they can learn and grow from those challenges. 

We want your child to have the best experience while at school and our staff works hard to make that happen.  Parents and education staff working together can make a huge difference in the success of a child!    


YAY.  I have written my first blog.  Feel free to provide feedback and comments.  Perhaps someone will be inspired to write from the parent perspective about what they wish educators knew.  This would create some great dialogue as we all work together in the best interest of children.