Starting off the new school year right can make a difference in a student’s performance throughout the year. Here are some suggestions that can help:
Organization: The key to staying on track is being well organized. This means using the school-provided agenda or planner. Make sure that it is filled in every day. Also, if long-term assignments are given, they can be noted in the planner so they won’t be forgotten. Backpacks should be packed the night before so that nothing is left at home by mistake.Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. If you have concerns about your child, communicate them positively. Most teachers are responsive to parents’ concerns and will work with you. Remember that classrooms are crowded, and the teacher is doing their best to ensure your child receives a quality education.
Technology: Most schools have websites that keep you abreast of the latest happenings. Teachers also have websites that apply specifically to your child. Visit it at least once weekly to review class assignments, spelling words, etc. Often, teachers will have links on their sites to educational websites. I find this an excellent resource for skill-building and strongly recommend visiting them.
Online Grades: It is now easier to keep track of your child’s progress by checking their grades through online programs such as PowerSchool. Graded assignments and attendance are available to review so that there are no surprises. It will also allow you to see any patterns where your child is struggling and address them immediately.
These are just a few ways to stay on track and make this school year great!
Excellent thoughts! As a teacher, I start out the year with a welcome letter, a welcome email, a phone call to parents, and I greet the kids as they come into school. We’re small, 230 children, so this is pretty easy for me to do; I only have 44 kids in my 8th Grade class. I also meet any parents that come in to drop off their children. We have morning meeting every day, and there are always a few parents who stay for our short program.