Principal's Message
Positive connections between parents and teachers have been shown to improve children's academic achievement, social competencies and emotional well-being. When parents and teachers work as partners, children do better in school and at home.
Research shows that when a partnership approach between parents and teachers is evident, children's work habits, attitudes about school and grades improve. They demonstrate better social skills, fewer behavioral problems and a greater ability to adapt to situations and get along. And parents and teachers benefit, too. When working together as partners, it's been found that parents and teachers communicate more effectively, develop stronger relationships with one another and develop skills to support children's behaviors and learning. "Strong partnerships support children's learning and ability to develop lifelong skills and networks, while also strengthening parents' capacity to be engaged in their child's school experience."
Partnerships are most powerful when they include three main components, represented as the "3 C's": communication, consistency and collaboration.
COMMUNICATION
The first is communication between home and school. Like any relationship in life, communication between you and your child's teacher is key.
- Communicate with your child's teacher early on and throughout the school year. Start by letting him/her know that you want to play your part in your child's education.
- The best kind of communication is open, clear, constructive and timely. Frequent, two-way communication is important to stay apprised of what is happening at school, and to let your teacher know important things about your child. Home-school notes are especially effective.
- Attend meetings with questions and observations about your child's efforts and behaviors, not just their grades and achievements. Let your child's teacher know about your child's strengths and challenges, likes and dislikes, and what you hope he or she accomplishes during the school year.
CONSISTENCY
The second component of an effective partnership is consistency. This involves opportunities and experiences you provide at home to support your child's learning.
- Ask about and suggest ways you can work with your child at home to encourage their learning for a successful school year. Creating routines for homework, such as establishing a time and quiet place, is important. Providing learning materials, reading with your child, and encouraging healthy habits for eating and physical activity all contribute to their success in school.
- Talk about methods for ensuring that you and the teacher are "on the same page" when it comes to plans and expectations. This kind of partnership sends a consistent message to your child and lets him know that you and his teacher together support his learning.
COLLABORATION
The third component of partnering is collaboration. Collaboration will be easier if communication is frequent, and you consistently create opportunities for your child's learning. A collaborative, cooperative partnership focuses on specific, positive strategies to help your child achieve to the best of his or her potential. Planning and problem-solving are forms of collaboration and will be especially important when your child needs extra support to reach a goal.
- Make an effort to understand teachers' goals and expectations for your child, and let teachers know about your goals. Communicate about how you can be a partner to help your child achieve them. If you have concerns, respectfully ask about modifications that are aligned with your child's strengths and challenges.
- Plan and problem-solve around issues that may arise. If the relationship and communication channels are developed early, it will be much easier to address challenges if they appear. Collaborative planning with your child's teacher involves acknowledging the need to work together to address a concern, staying focused on finding a solution (not placing blame), making plans that involve support and responsibility at both home and school, following through on plans and checking back to make sure progress is being made.
We look forward to partnering with you!