August's - Tip For Parents
From ISVI's Education Department
"Back to School"
As a kid the three words I did not want to
hear were "back to school." Just when the summer vacation was getting good
someone would spoil it with "it’s time to go back to school." I would look at
the calendar and count my last days of summer freedom. Now here I am using those
three words in my column, realizing these are the last words most kids still do
not want to hear. Well, it’s going to happen Monday, August 20- the first day of
school for students and it’s a full day. How can you and your parents get ready
for a great school year? Here are some reminders and suggestions that may help
you have a great school year.
School Attendance
Showing up is vital for success, so decide now on good attendance. Research
shows that students who faithfully attend school are more successful in their
studies and do not become dropouts.
Getting Organized
Have a school organizational spot in your child’s dorm room. A spot where they
keep extra school supplies like paper, pencils and other basic school supplies.
Keep folders, a basket or have a "school" drawer to help organize school papers
and assignments. Be sure to have a school calendar. Mark your school calendars
with special events such as field trip days, travel days, and other special
events. Mark report card dates so everyone is ready to celebrate your child’s
success. Be sure to check for mid-term reports that are available about 4 ½
weeks into each quarter. All students will be receiving mid-term reports
beginning this year. Mid-term reports are a good way to know about possible
academic problems and correct them in a timely manner before report cards come
out.
Parents/Guardians Get Involved
This is the number one thing you can do to assure your child’s success in
school. It’s not always easy to find time, however this year, make it a priority
to be involved in your child’s education. School personnel are willing to
communicate and work with you. Contact the teacher, principals, and guidance
counselors with questions or concerns about your student. Attend parent-teacher
conferences and work with the teacher to enhance your child’s education.
Beginning of the School Year:
There will be many forms that you need to take time to read, sign, and return to
your school. Even if the item is something you do not want, returning the form
will help us identify those who are participating in programs. Make notes on
your school calendar of special dates and events. If you have a question, write
it down on the form or paper you are returning and the staff will send you a
reply.
Be sure to get a copy of the Parent/Student handbook and read through the school
rules and policies with your child. Take a look at changes and policies for this
year such as the activity fee. Help the school system by reviewing these rules
and policies with your child and help to enforce them by seeing your child knows
the rules and follows them. The first few days of school will be stressful for
everyone. It takes cooperation and communication to get the school year up and
running. Give your child and the school time to adjust.
Letting Go
Parents/Guardians can be helpful by reassuring your student, especially the
little ones, that school is a good place, you know they will do fine, and you
will see them soon. I know it’s hard to let them go, but as parents/guardians we
help our children grow by letting them go. Remember…."Letting Go" - the more
confidence you show in the separation the more confidence your child will
develop.
Get Involved in Your Child’s Education
Parents/Guardians need to be engaged in the educational process. Plan time to be
with your child here at ISVI if at all possible. This will let your child know
how important his or her education is to you. Visiting them here at school also
lets your child know you have confidence in them and our school. If they are
involved in extra-curricular activities, such as sports, try to attend an event.
We have several home events here on the ISVI campus. You are welcome to attend
and support your child and their education.
How parents can help:
Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. If you are excited and confident,
your child will be, too.
Prepare yourself. Take note of how your child reacts to separation. If possible,
visit the new setting with your child. Introduce your child to the new teacher
or early childhood professional in advance.
Always be positive and enthusiastic about the start of school. It’s a new
beginning. A very good approach is to say something like "I am so proud that you
passed your last grade and are moving ahead in school. You are really so grown
up!"
Give your child a count down to the start of school, for example, "Only one more
week until school starts!" or "School starts in two days!" Younger children need
a daily reminder starting about three days before the start of school.
It’s always good to get a sense of how your child feels about returning to
school or starting a new school. A good way to open a dialogue about this is to
ask your child, "What are you most looking forward to in starting school this
year?" and then "Is there anything you are not looking forward to in starting
school this year?"
For the positive responses, join in their excitement, for example, "Yes, it will
be great to see your old friends," or "Yes, this year you can try out for a
sports team."
For negative replies, it is important to get your child to talk about his/her
worries. If he/she expresses a minor concern like "I dread having to get up
early," a simple response like "I’ll buy you your own alarm clock," if that’s
financially possible, will be adequate.
For children who are just starting here at ISVI and separating from you for the
first time, anxiety could be high. A visit to the School in advance--if
possible, is always helpful for adjustment. This allows the child to see the new
environment. Be sure to give yourself a little extra time to help your child get
comfortable at registration time. The staff here will help with this process
too. Adjusting to separating from you may take some time.
When children are struggling with separation, giving them a photo of you or a
small possession of yours to take with them to school can increase their comfort
level. This will help your child feel that a little "piece of you" is with them
all day.
The Best School Year
To all students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff have a great school
year. Working together, we can help make it the best yet.