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.
