Ready Set Go: 2021 Week 9

Hello Breakthrough Family,

If you are like many families approaching the start of a new school year you may be wondering how you can best support your scholar throughout the upcoming school year. This may be even more on your mind as your child may be returning to school after a year of remote learning or may be coming to school for the first time. One of the best ways for parents and families to support their scholars is by getting involved in school.

Research shows that when families and educators work together, they reinforce the kind of behaviors and skills young people need to become successful adults. With the partnership of school and home to support student achievement, students earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, and enroll in higher level courses. Students develop key social-emotional skills, such as self-awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making. This collaboration also fosters more motivated students. Parents can participate at school by helping with functions and activities, or communicating with teachers. You can also be involved at home in many ways, including guiding your children to manage homework and other commitments and engaging in discussions about values and attitudes regarding education.

Here are some tips for getting involved in your child’s school:

1. Attend open houses, parent -teacher conferences, or other orientation events. Get to know your child’s teachers at the beginning of the school year. Attending these events throughout the year ensures you are on the same page.

2. Ask your teacher how they would like to communicate. For each teacher, find out whether phone calls, emails, or texts are the best way to stay up-to-date on progress and communicate information about your child.

3. Attend school events. Go to games and concerts, student exhibitions, and award events that your child is and is not involved in. Your involvement in school-wide events, even when your child is not directly involved, helps build a community at large. You’ll meet other members of the school community and show your support for ALL kids.

4. Join the PAC (Parent Advisory Council). Parents and school staff meet regularly to discuss school issues and how families can help the school.

5. Volunteer in the school. Schools often allow volunteers to chaperone trips or dances, help in classrooms, or run a school event. If your work schedule doesn’t allow you to volunteer in the school building, there are other ways to offer your time. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities and share your special skills!

6. Let the school know what groups, classes or guidance you would like them to provide. Schools are a great resource to improve your own learning. If you want to know more about the school’s new math curriculum, or how to talk with your child about a particular subject, let the school know! Chances are if you want to learn more about a topic, other parents do as well.