I was interested in new principal Debra Barger's Plan of Improvement for our 7th and 8th Grade Center. As reported in the Muskogee Phoenix, MPS is addressing concerns and becoming pro-active in finding solutions. I was especially encouraged by Ms. Barger's statement, " Give me two years and you will be surprised at the difference." Principal turnover in the last several years can not have made it easy to implement any ongoing strategy. Building confidence and a sense of community in a faculty takes not only leadership and great ideas. It takes time.
A concern in Cathy Spaulding's article was one Mel and I have continually discussed in this forum. The importance of parental involvement. Ms. Barger states this is a key issue in a student's lack of success in middle school. For some reason, the cupcake making, t-shirt selling, Science Fair Judging elementary Mom or Dad drops the ball when their child enters 7th grade. It is as if they have done their part for 6 years and now it is the government and school's turn.
The pre-teen years are probably the most crucial time for parents to be part of their child's education. The school is huge, hormone's are kicking in, classes are getting more difficult and these middle school kids are facing a lot of choices. Tweens are entering uncharted territory and need some help navigating through it all. Kids need to know you are interested. Kids need to see you are involved. Kids need to feel you are communicating.
Attendance is also an ongoing problem. It is pretty basic. If a child is not at school, a child cannot learn. Parental responsibilities include getting their student to class. This seems pretty simple but attendance rates in public education are horrendous. I cannot tell you how difficult it is to meet Pass Objectives when you are teaching to empty seats. If a home conveys attendance is not a priority, it sends the message that education is not important. It sends the message that "getting by" is just fine. Mediocre is all that's expected. Personal best isn't expected to be very good at all.
Parents must to be partners with teachers in their child's education. Discuss curriculum choices ahead of time. Know assignments, special projects and when quizzes and exams are scheduled. Make appointments to discuss your child's progress. Understand what each teacher expects, how they teach, how much homework they assign and what their favorite cookies are. "What, you say!" Didn't your little darling bring a little something to their teacher in elementary school? Send some brownies to say thank you for a kindness or consideration given to your son or daughter. It will be very appreciated and more importantly sends the message that you as a parent are in tune to what is happening at school.
You may be shaking your head. "My mood swinging pre-teen does not want me to be at their school. " HELLO. Who is the grown up here? I promise. Many may protest but most like to know we are around.
So call the school and see how you can volunteer. Make appointments to meet teachers, principals and counselors. Serve on committees. While you're packing up chocolate bars, stick your head in classrooms during planning periods. Working the concession stand helps sell the popcorn but also keeps you visible and viable. Chaperoning at Dry Gulch enables the district to offer the opportunity to it's students, and offers you the opportunity to observe the dynamics of your child's relationships and social skills. If you work, take your lunch hour or a sick day to work in the office or meet a teacher with concerns or questions. Then, take your child to lunch. It gives you one on one time and makes a regular day at school special.
Hats off to Principal Barger and the faculty and staff at The 7th and 8th Grade Center. These middle school years shape later success in school and in life. It is not an easy time for pre-teens and they need all the help they can get - In school yes, and most importantly, at home. Call or visit your child's school today and find out how to get in the parent pipeline. It's a Win-Win proposition.
Just an opinion. Couldn't we give The Center a name? 7th and 8th Grade Center is pretty generic. It's a little hard to have a school song or a snappy T-Shirt without a name that inspires loyalty and dedication. "Where do you go to middle school?" "Why, I go to The Center." "We're loyal to you Center. To your colors we're true Center. .....
Showing posts with label middle school transitions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school transitions. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Give Me Just A Little More Time
It seems Mel and I bounce around on both ends of the parenting spectrum. My last entry was about parents who hover and fight all their children's battles. This week I was stopped by a Mom who was concerned about a rocky transition her new middle - schooler was facing and how helpless the Mother feels. Secondly, a teacher friend confided how few parents attended his Parent/Teacher conferences, in particular, those who had been specifically contacted by the teacher to attend. So, forgive me as I see-saw back from the too muchers to the not enoughers.
Let's face it - a transition to middle or high school can be intimidating for both kids and parents. One thing parents struggle with is trying to find the right amount of involvement after elementary school. Often, participation becomes less and the chasm between school and home lengthens.
Finding the best ways to support teenagers in secondary school can be confusing for many reasons: 1.) parents think they hear other parents saying they should not be involved at the higher level schools; 2.) parents know they must give their teenager more ownership for their own success while they practice responsibility and time management, and 3.) teens will sometimes push back on parents, wishing them to be less visible in secondary school. So, what us the right degree of involvement? What does parent involvement look like in middle and high school?
Parent involvement is essential in secondary schools...yet involvement looks and feels different than it did in elementary school. It is more difficult to find a niche. No more Halloween cupcakes for homeroom or running copies in the office. But the experts say to stay actively involved and engaged in your child's education. Why?
· By involving yourself in your child's middle or high school you are showing him or her that you value education. When you attend school events you are demonstrating commitment to education. This may be one of the most powerful ways to instill this value in your teen.
* Students with parents who are involved in their school tend to have better academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, and they are more likely to complete high school.
* Despite the impression you may receive from your teenager, recent research shows that teens want their parents involved, and they feel that parent involvement in high school is even more important than in elementary school.
* The relationships you develop at school will give you information and insight as to your teen's world, friendships, and the expectations your child is faced with.
* Your involvement lets the school staff know that you value education and that you are someone with whom they can have a relationship. This can have a direct and positive effect on their educational experience.
* Should issues arise at the school, or with your child, you will already have relationships with people there that can help you.
* Schools need your help. Schools are often understaffed due to tight budgets and they can use your help in many ways.
* The more in touch you are with your community, and your child's friends and friends’ families, the more you are able to knowledgeably support your teen.
* If you want to see change, the best way to impact it is to be involved from the inside.
What is the right level of involvement? Much of this will depend on you and your teenager.
Here are a few guidelines:
# Read all the paperwork and access web sites from your teen's school. Have a sense of what is going on there; keep all phone numbers, calendars, bus info, and contact information handy.
# Be sure to attend the school open house offered in the fall. It is important to meet your child's teachers, and this venue provides the best way to do so.
# If your child has particular issues, it is appropriate to discuss these with your teenager’s guidance counselor and/or teachers. Work with the school to address issues; they can guide you about working within their system.
# Viewing your teenager's assignment notebook regularly can be an excellent way to stay informed about school assignments without being over-bearing. (Note: MPS has on-line access to your student's grades. You may also directly access individual teachers via E-Mail.
# If your child is participating in school sports or other activities, be sure to attend the games. This provides you with the opportunity to meet other parents and some of your teen's new friends.
So, get engaged. Get involved. Make your child's middle school and high school years a top priority. Parent involvement: It is still your responsibility when your teenagers enter secondary school. Involvment makes a difference in your child's success and paves the way for a bright and shiny future.
Let's face it - a transition to middle or high school can be intimidating for both kids and parents. One thing parents struggle with is trying to find the right amount of involvement after elementary school. Often, participation becomes less and the chasm between school and home lengthens.
Finding the best ways to support teenagers in secondary school can be confusing for many reasons: 1.) parents think they hear other parents saying they should not be involved at the higher level schools; 2.) parents know they must give their teenager more ownership for their own success while they practice responsibility and time management, and 3.) teens will sometimes push back on parents, wishing them to be less visible in secondary school. So, what us the right degree of involvement? What does parent involvement look like in middle and high school?
Parent involvement is essential in secondary schools...yet involvement looks and feels different than it did in elementary school. It is more difficult to find a niche. No more Halloween cupcakes for homeroom or running copies in the office. But the experts say to stay actively involved and engaged in your child's education. Why?
· By involving yourself in your child's middle or high school you are showing him or her that you value education. When you attend school events you are demonstrating commitment to education. This may be one of the most powerful ways to instill this value in your teen.
* Students with parents who are involved in their school tend to have better academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, and they are more likely to complete high school.
* Despite the impression you may receive from your teenager, recent research shows that teens want their parents involved, and they feel that parent involvement in high school is even more important than in elementary school.
* The relationships you develop at school will give you information and insight as to your teen's world, friendships, and the expectations your child is faced with.
* Your involvement lets the school staff know that you value education and that you are someone with whom they can have a relationship. This can have a direct and positive effect on their educational experience.
* Should issues arise at the school, or with your child, you will already have relationships with people there that can help you.
* Schools need your help. Schools are often understaffed due to tight budgets and they can use your help in many ways.
* The more in touch you are with your community, and your child's friends and friends’ families, the more you are able to knowledgeably support your teen.
* If you want to see change, the best way to impact it is to be involved from the inside.
What is the right level of involvement? Much of this will depend on you and your teenager.
Here are a few guidelines:
# Read all the paperwork and access web sites from your teen's school. Have a sense of what is going on there; keep all phone numbers, calendars, bus info, and contact information handy.
# Be sure to attend the school open house offered in the fall. It is important to meet your child's teachers, and this venue provides the best way to do so.
# If your child has particular issues, it is appropriate to discuss these with your teenager’s guidance counselor and/or teachers. Work with the school to address issues; they can guide you about working within their system.
# Viewing your teenager's assignment notebook regularly can be an excellent way to stay informed about school assignments without being over-bearing. (Note: MPS has on-line access to your student's grades. You may also directly access individual teachers via E-Mail.
# If your child is participating in school sports or other activities, be sure to attend the games. This provides you with the opportunity to meet other parents and some of your teen's new friends.
So, get engaged. Get involved. Make your child's middle school and high school years a top priority. Parent involvement: It is still your responsibility when your teenagers enter secondary school. Involvment makes a difference in your child's success and paves the way for a bright and shiny future.
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