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Communication, Encouragement & Sharing: Steps to School Success
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As children return to the classrooms, it’s time once again to review ways that parents support each child’s success. After all, school is a three-way partnership involving the child, the teacher and the parent. Without the parent, the teacher and child lack a significant pillar of support.
The first responsibility of a parent is to meet their child’s teacher(s). Attend orientation and conferences. Sign up for school email alerts. Check in regularly with the teacher via email or phone to clarify reports and resolve any misunderstandings. Keep the conversations positive. Remember the teacher is your colleague and partner. You are working together to help your child succeed.Following school each day make time for every family member to share stories about what happened in school, at work or at home today. Pay attention. Laugh at mistakes. Celebrate successes. Reward effort.
Set aside some time each day for homework. If none is assigned, this is a good time to ask your child to teach you something he/she learned today or to work on skills that need more practice. It may also be a good time to start working on big projects that will be due later.Reviewing homework means verifying that it is done. Ask your child to explain the work to you. Encourage completeness and good presentation. Encourage pride in a job well done. On the other hand, avoid “correcting” the work or doing it for your child. You are not the one who is building new skills.
Kids need time to decompress or change the pace from their school day. Encourage each child to pursue individual interests and talents or try new activities. Allow time to “just play.” After all, it is a great learning experience.
Take turns reading to each other. Discuss the story together and share ideas that grew out of the story or the discussion. Explore new words and learn to use them in sentences.
Bedtimes are important. It’s hard to do your best when you have no energy. Make sure your child gets enough sleep every night.
When grades come, focus on strengths. Instead of paying for grades or punishing bad ones, talk about what things contributed to each grade. Celebrate the successes and help your child develop strategies and goals to make improvements. Be realistic. Remember that every child is not a famous artist, a math genius or a Rhodes Scholar, but each child can strive to do their personal best, even if it is “C” level work.Keep all of your school related interactions positive. Getting angry or upset over grades or things that happened at school is counterproductive. If a problem exists, talk to the school and work together to find a solution. Model the attitudes and behaviors that your child needs to succeed in the world. After all, you are his/her best teacher.
Start this year off on your best foot. Meet your new school partners and establish your communications links. Plan your family evenings to support time for each family member to work on their personal stuff, explore individual interests and passions and yet have time to spend together. Come midyear, celebrate your success when you revisit these helpful (we hope) hints.
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Want to learn more about
YSB events, services and
opportunities to support us?
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Welcome!
A warm and hearty welcome to Shannon Bartlett, our new Chemical Health Prevention Specialist serving several school districts in St. Croix County.
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YCAPP Update
YSB’s alternative to suspension program (YCAPP) is on hiatus as the school district deals with staff changes and budget priorities. It is hoped that the conversation will lead to continuation of the program in the near future.
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Thanks Gardeners!
South Washington County Gardeners came through with an outstanding display of garden finery despite heavy rains and hail that played havoc with the hostas and roses. Many thanks to the gardeners, greeters, musicians, crafters, and our fantastic committee for raising over $9000 to support YSB.
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Results are in....We netted $13,085 from the 2010 Tee One Up For Kids Golf Tournament!
Thank you sponsors and golfers for your generosity. To learn more about the event, visit our Golf page or see photos from the event on Shutterfly. |
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