10 Parent Tips

10 Parent Tips

I read an article in Principal Leadership today that I believe is very valuable and should be used by all school leaders. Here is the document I created for my district.

1. Be involved in your child’s academic program.

• Make sure that your child is challenged and taking courses now that will help meet future goals. Math course selection is vital and the single most important class decision for the ninth-grade year.

2. Get your child involved in a positive activity, but don’t overextend.

• Research says that students who are involved in an activity, club, sport, music, etc., are much more likely to have a positive high school experience and get better grades than students who are not involved.

3. Know your child’s friends.

• Research says that when a teenager is faced with a critical decision, the influence of peers (positive and negative) and parents/families make a difference.

4. Register for Parent Access to Genesis.

• This will enable you to track your child’s attendance, discipline, grades, and communicate directly to your child’s teachers right from you computer or smartphone.

5. Have you and your child attend the freshman barbeque.

• More information to follow

6. Don’t allow your child to get lost in the shuffle.

• Students can get lost or fall through the cracks during the school year. Research says that when a student makes positive connections with adults (teachers, guidance counselor, coacher, etc.), it stops this from happening.

7. Attend Back to School Night and Parent Conferences

8. Remember that all teenagers (including straight “A” students) need proper supervision.

• This supervision includes online and technology supervision. Remember, good kids make mistakes too. Your child should always know that you love them, but make sure he/she knows your expectations. Know where your child is and who they are with at all times.

9. Get to know your child’s teachers and guidance counselor.

• Stay in positive contact with teachers and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that e-mail is a great tool for quick information, but it’s not such a great tool for dealing with more difficult issues. Don’t fight the small battles for your child, keep things in perspective.

10. Get involved in school yourself

• The most successful students I have seen are the ones whose parents are at the school, attending functions, join the PTSO or athletic boosters, or serve on the advisory council or some other group. In a sense, these parents are the ones who are in the know, and they use this information to support their children and the school!