Parent, teacher partnerships develop school success Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Joy Hopper Airman and Family Readiness Center chief GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - -- For most families, September means the start of a new school year and in a few weeks, children will bring home their first progress report. For some, this may bring an unpleasant surprise. One of the key ways to ensure a child's success is by forming an effective partnership with his teachers. Many families moved to a new duty location this summer and their children may still be adjusting to new friends, new schools and possibly a new culture. Families who have moved to a new location shouldn't wait for the teacher to announce the traditional beginning of the year parent conferences. Instead, try to arrange a short meeting before school starts or within the first weeks. Don't assume that teachers know which children are new to the school. The new school year is chaotic and teachers probably haven't had time to review all student records. Parents should discuss their child's strengths and weaknesses with the teacher and let the teacher know if their child has had trouble adapting to new situations. Parents can also ask the teacher how they can help their child succeed. Parents who are unable to schedule an appointment with the teacher can call the school's office and see if there's an e-mail or Web site the teacher uses to communicate with parents. While face-to-face contact is preferred, e-mail can be a lifesaver for busy parents and teachers. For children with a track record of forgetting homework assignments, an e-mail or Web site allows for weekly follow-ups with the school, too. Studies show that children are more successful when parents are involved at their child's school. Schools are sensitive to the needs of working parents and schedule many events in the evening. Attend Open House Nights, parent-teacher association meetings, musical events, art exhibits and plays whenever possible. Volunteering is another great way to know what's going on at school. While school administrators welcome suggestions from all parents, they are especially receptive to parents who are at the school to see day-to-day operations. Single parents or dual career couples may need to be a little more creative when it comes to volunteering, but there are still opportunities. Elementary school teachers may ask for help grading papers or preparing materials for projects. Most booster club activities, such as staffing snack bars, selling T-shirts or chaperoning dances, occur after work hours. At the beginning of the year, ask the teacher for a calendar of field trips. It's easier to schedule time off to join the trip if the information is provided ahead of time. Many parents assume their children don't want them in their lives as much as when they were younger, but involvement shouldn't end when they enter high school. Due to an increase in peer pressure, high school students may need even more oversight than when they were younger. Parents should make it a point to contact all of their child's teachers and provide them with contact information for when concerns arise. If there is a concern with the way a teacher handles a situation, give the teacher an opportunity to address the concern first. Schools have a chain of command just like the military and parents who feel the teacher doesn't adequately address the issue should discuss the matter with the child's counselor or lastly, the principal. When making an appointment with the principal, be sure to indicate the urgency of the matter and the amount of time needed to discuss the concern. While we don't hesitate to criticize school personnel, we often forget to thank them for their hard work. Throughout a child's time in school, he will have some awesome teachers, coaches, counselors and sponsors for extracurricular activities. The really good ones put their heart and soul into their job and parents should take the time to let them know they appreciate the impact they have on their child. Without a little praise, they could burn out and take their talents elsewhere.
