180 IMPORTANT DAYS IN A PARENT'S LIFE

At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents. – Jane D. Hull

Here is the seventh in a series of nine articles about a wish list of new year’s resolutions from the December 27 blog. Since there are 180 days in most K-12 school years, the parent-school connection is critical. We need to figure out how to optimize that relationship. We could resolve to: Integrate parents into the learning by phoning with positive messages as well as concerns. Arrange home visits when possible. Lessen school anxiety for parents who have had negative academic experiences by inviting them in as partners in their children’s education. Make it easy and fun with “pizza and pop” dinner meetings. Throw in on-site baby sitting for younger children by older students, and more. Read on.

1988 - CURRICULUM NIGHT IN AN INNER CITY SCHOOL

Looking around my 3rd grade classroom on Curriculum Night many years ago I was satisfied with the room appearance, student-made welcome mats on every desk, and packet of materials for parents to take home. I was excited at the prospect of meeting my students’ families, presenting my curriculum plan and ideas for enriching for the year, and getting feedback from parents.

Before entering the lunchroom/multi-purpose room, I peeked in to see a very small group of people, a few of them juggling babies on their laps, and a few others shushing small children next to them. This year the school had converted from a K-2 Early Childhood Center (ECC) to a K-5 elementary school, and there were many changes in teaching personnel and families. I myself switched from a 1-2 combination to a straight 3rd grade class.

At the microphone the principal welcomed those present, introduced the staff, made a few comments, then sent us to our various rooms. I had been riffed (reduction in force because of budgetary considerations) and rehired twice before coming to this school and though it wasn’t my first placement choice I was convinced it would be a great year. As an ECC this school had previously been a shining star in the Seattle system, and, until now, well attended curriculum nights had been an opportunity to get parents ready for a year long involvement, i.e. joining the PTA, signing up for committees, and becoming room parents.

Standing at my classroom door, a big smile on my face, I waited expectantly for parents to come in and sit at their child’s desk. I was dismayed to see such a small group, again some with children. I bring this up because it is hard to share important information with the distraction of small children. Usually only adults attend the Curriculum Night, while an open house for the entire family is scheduled for later in the year.

Enthusiasm still intact I introduced myself and shared a little about my background and beliefs, followed by going over the packet. It contained an agenda for the evening, my classroom creed, a “step-by-step” look at the day, homework expectations, math fact printables, my classroom science night plan, field trips, and classroom guidelines.I concluded with parental input where I asked them what they would like to see happen this year, followed by questions and answers. Those present were pleased and excited and seemed to feel their children would be in capable hands for the year. We were connected. Those absent received a copy of the packet via the children the next day but getting them on board required more work.

I should add here that many schools have great parent involvement, attendance at school events, and partnership with their children’s teachers. In this article I will be speaking about those schools, like mine, where parents either do not realize the importance of their presence or simply cannot be present for whatever reason. So, the question is: How do we get parents to buy in to their children’s education and commit themselves to the school for the l80 day school year?

Several problem areas should be considered: publicizing functions, family fatigue because of work or home problems, child care needs, negative feelings from past school experiences, feelings of inadequacy, unwelcoming atmosphere, and transportation.

First, in addition to the school calendar given out at the beginning of the year, every function should be publicized well in advance with follow up flyers so that families can plan for them. It may seem like a given, but I have seen flyers go out two days before an event, and find those same flyers littering the playground or bus pick up areas. Although more and more parents have internet access and can check the school web site calendar, many don’t bother, while others don’t have that access. Active room parents or school volunteers forming a telephone tree to call parents can be effective.

Working parents are often so exhausted by 6:00 p.m, the usual time of school programs, that even with good intentions, they just can’t face going home to fix dinner, find a baby sitter, fight with their kids over homework, and then be expected to go out again. These days budgeting for gas can also be a hardship.

For “adults only” functions child care can be an "attendance deal breaker." In this case one solution is to turn an empty classroom into a children’s movie theater with popcorn or other food (see below) and find a qualified volunteer to man it.

So that parents don’t have to cook when they get home, providing pizza and pop at school is cheap and easy. If children do not come along, parents can take a brown bag of the same food for those left at home. To pay for the food a petty cash fund can be established with donations at the beginning of the year. Checking out which companies give small grants to schools for such extras would be a good way to enhance the fund.

Arrangements can be made for families with transportation problems. Volunteer drivers or carpools with other parents are possibilities. The family support worker can be a great resource as well.

A welcoming school atmosphere is critical for those parents who have school phobias or insecurities. Teachers or PTA members can greet guests at the door with smiles and directions.

Having a “homework free night' is a gift that relieves stress for parents and students alike. This reduction in a stressful evening would be appreciated by many.

For me personally, as I realized that the Curriculum Night I mentioned above was going to be the rule, not the exception, I began getting acquainted with parents over the phone, giving them positive messages about their children and upcoming events. I even made some home visits which cemented the bond. As time went by my Curriculum Night was one of the best attended in our school.

Though it takes a lot of extra effort somehow we must show parents the need for their involvement and that, when it comes to educating children, we teachers cannot do it alone. We are there for l80 days doing our very best. Parents, as partners, need to be part of the 180 day commitment as well!

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BOOK NOOK

Below are three exciting websites that have many ideas for increasing parent involvement and boosting attendance at school meetings and functions.

(1) Education World is a wonderful free web site for teachers and administrators having five main areas filled with ideas: lesson planning, professional development, information for administrators, tech integration, school issues, and something called market place where one can find a wide array of arts and craft, holiday, sports and other supplies. Go to http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/archives/parentinv.shtml Under the category of parent involvement there are many ideas and “how to” articles; The following are just ten (10) examples out of the one hundred fifty-two (152) listed.

1. Principal Pod Casts
2. Visitation Day – parents walk in students’ shoes
3. Collaboration dinners to bring parents and staff together
4. Cultivating a volunteer program
5. Cultural Experience Night
6. Starting a l00 mile Club for fitness
7. Bingo night
9. Practical advice for coping with difficult kids and parents
10. Young scientists See and Believe Science Night
School Mates – a connection with a US Naval Ship

(2) PTO Today has an article with links that give step-by-step directions to create a parent involvement ladder as well as an article in how to boost meeting attendance. On boosting PTA attendance ideas include varying the meeting time and place, making the meetings fun and shorter, giving prizes, offering baby sitting and other services, combining them with other school events, finding creative ways to get the word out about the meeting, and finding ways to encourage attendance as one’s responsibility. http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/143-boost-meeting-attendance

(3) For both parents and teachers there is a wonderful article on 50 ways parents can help schools from the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/famncomm/pa1lk20.htm