Counting Down to School Success

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Cameron Brenchley

Countdown to Success ImageIn the October edition of Parenting magazine, the Department of Education teamed up with National PTA and Parenting to offer a month-by-month guide for parents and guardians that includes advice, tools, and online resources to help make this school year a great one.

To get the school year kicked off right, here are some handy tips from the guide:

  1. Reach out to your child’s teachers: Attend meet-the-teacher night, orientation or other welcome events, but don’t stop there. Make a point of introducing yourself and learning about class activities and expectations for the year.
  2. Get in the groove: Establish healthy at-home routines for school days, such as consistent waking times and getting-ready patterns. Decide on a regular homework time, and create a comfortable, quiet workspace.
  3. Time things right: Stay on top of everyone’s school, activity, and work schedules with a free online calendar or a smartphone app.
  4. Pack smart: Make sure your child’s backpack never weighs more than 10 to 20 percent of his or her body weight; heavy packs can strain developing muscles and joints.
  5. Commit to volunteering: With help from parents like you, your school can offer many more programs and services for your kids. Ask about volunteer opportunities in the school community and your children’s classrooms, and check out your school’s parent organization.

To read tips for the entire school year and to download the entire guide, visit the Countdown to School Success page.

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One Response to Counting Down to School Success

  1. H. Madrid says:
    September 26, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    To whom it may concern,

    Just a thought –

    Couldn’t we as a nation deduct tax refund money from families who have children failing year after year in our public schools?
    I believe the results would be two fold –
    *Collected revenue could be used to hire special teachers to work with deficient children.
    *Force parents to become active participants in teaching their children.
    I understand this plan would require work and “tweaks” but, it is high time parents become PARTNERS with the educators in their children’s lives.
    Responsibility seems to be falling on the US government, local governments and teachers to be the only educators in children’s lives. Education MUST be a PARTNERSHIP! Sadly, as communities in this nation are facing so many failing schools we are threatening the very jobs of our talented teaching community.
    When is it time for parents and guardians to take some responsibility? If we were to hit parents in the pocket book, I say they would become more active in their children’s lives.
    If not now, when? If not us, who?

    Thanks,
    H. Madrid