10 things teachers wish parents knew
By Amy Benoit

review and study skills. As a No Child Left Behind Implementation Teacher, one of Cawley's many responsibilities includes preparing students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6

For many, the school bell looms and will soon announce the beginning of a new school year. Although this return indicates farewell to the freedoms of summer, it also brings responsibility and opportunity and 180 jam-packed days filled with the wonder and excitement of learning.

Third grade teacher Shirley LeMay advises parents "to put an upbeat twist on returning to school." LeMay, who teaches at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School in Shrewsbury, suggests parents "be supportive, so kids will have a positive outlook."

Judith Cawley, a No Child Left Behind implementation teacher, recommends children be involved in the planning and preparation of morning school rituals, such as "the packing of lunches or laying out of clothes."

She also suggests having a dialogue about mixed emotions the child might feel as school approaches.

"Remind them of the new friends they will meet and the fun they are going to have."

Below are 10 things teachers wish parents knew to begin a successful school year:

1. Know emergency information: Informing the school of any changes in address and/or phone numbers (including cell phones) can make a huge difference in your child's safety and well-being.

"More important than ever, children need to know their home phone number and other emergency contact numbers," said first grade teacher Marguerite Johnson. "Parents need to review emergency information regularly with their children."

2. Come to school ... on time: Much of the day's plans are discussed within the first few minutes of school. Arriving to school daily and on time are musts. In addition to missing valuable lessons, a child who is continuously late or absent may not feel like a valued member of his class.

"Eating healthy and going to bed on time plays a large part in attending school on a regular basis," Johnson said. "Try scheduling appointments after school for the doctor and dentist."

3. Learning isn't for the classroom alone: Educational opportunities are everywhere. From supermarket shopping, to filling the gas tank, to preparing dinner, and reading the newspaper, "parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Their full involvement can make all the difference between success and struggle," said parent/family Liaison Mary-Lou Murphy. "Make use of every minute and make learning a priority."

For example, parents can use time spent in the car for discussion, reading, or skill review with children.

4. The home/school connection works: Be aware of what is happening in your child's school. Teachers go to great lengths to keep lines of communication open. Reading notices and bulletins, routinely checking your child's backpack and returning forms promptly help parents to stay on top of important dates, upcoming events and classroom expectations.

"With the use of school e-mail and Web pages," LeMay said, "parents are more informed and can communicate regularly with the teacher, if necessary."

Be supportive of school rules and consequences and discuss with your child the importance of following safety guidelines set forth by your district.

5. Frameworks and district goals govern curriculum: No Child Left Behind is part of the regular jargon for parents of school-age children. Parents should know that grade level curricula are structured, rigorous, and demanding for students to learn and teachers to teach. Accept and value assignments and encourage children to practice regular for the Massachusetts Compre-hensive Assessment System (MCAS). For additional information about MCAS, parents can visit www.mcas.gov or speak directly to their child's teacher.

6. Balance = work + play: The return of

school requires school requires families to restructure schedules. Balancing extracurricular activities, family gatherings, homework, and hygiene takes ingenuity. Occupational Therapist Mary Meyer of the Tantasqua and Union 61 School District said, "When children engage both sides of their brain through exercise, learning and play, they attend better when in the classroom." Meyer, who services children in Brookfield, Holland, and Sturbridge, also suggested reintroducing bedtime routines in midAugust to avoid "bedtime dilemmas" the first week of school.

7. Volunteers are needed: Studies suggest that children whose parents take an active interest in their child's education are more likely to do better academically and attend school more often. To the surprise of many parents, involvement isn't limited to helping in the classroom and chaperoning fieldtrips.

"Parents can show support by sending in supplies or assisting with cutting, pasting and collating papers from home," Johnson said.

When it comes to education, building a community of support should be everyone's focus. Often held monthly and during evening hours, Parent/Teacher Organizations (PTO) are yet another example of how to get involved.

"Keep track of and attend as many school events as your schedule allows," Cawley said.

8. Teachers are approachable: Let's face it, parents can't possibly be expected to remember everything they were taught while in school. What they do need to know, however, is that the school community supports them.

"Strengthening the bond between school and home is the main focus of my parenting workshops," said Murphy.

A welcoming school environment invites and encourages parents to ask questions. Referencing concerns you have jotted down prior to meeting with school personnel may help parents feel more at ease. Unless a situation requires immediate action, schedule all school appointments ahead of time.

9. Reading is key: Your child will benefit from your gentle nudge to read. Whether it is for enjoyment or to gain specific information, reading is the most important skill a child acquires.

"To become a more skillful reader, children must practice routinely, both in the home and at school," said Johnson. "Reading builds fluency, expands knowledge, and increases vocabulary."

Many schools require students to complete summer reading assignments either through book reports or signed reading logs.

10. Homework is purposeful: Homework is an extension of lessons taught in school. Set aside a private area in your home, free of noise and disruption. Know your child's limitations.

"Every child is different," LeMay said. "Some may want to start right in (on assignments) when they come home from school, others may need a break."

Use of an agenda or calendar notebook may assist older students with keeping track of work and project deadlines. Labeling a two-pocket folder with "bring back" and "keep at home" on the inside flaps may help younger children organize important work and bulletins.

When parents and teachers work in partnership, the child is the beneficiary.

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Rutland resident Amy Benoit is a teacher in Worcester, a freelance writer, and a parent of three children. To submit a question to ask the teacher send to editor@baystateparent.com.