How to be involved in your child’s education

We are the Canastota Teachers’ Association - the caring, dedicated professionals committed to supporting our students and the Canastota community.

We are the Canastota Teachers’ Association - the caring, dedicated professionals committed to supporting our students and the Canastota community.

As the new school year begins, it is important to become involved in your child’s education. Remember, we are on the same team; your child’s teacher wants your child to succeed as much as you do! School can provide some amazing academic and social opportunities, but it can also be a source of stress and confusion. In order to help your child progress through the upcoming school year, consider these ideas. As a result, your child can have a balanced, positive school experience, and transitioning from one year to the next will be easier as they progress through their academic career:

Have a conversation with your child about what their day looks like. What is your child learning in classes? Do they seem to be making friends? Are they able to find peers to socialize with at lunch and/or recess or during specials? Be prepared to ask further questions if you get the ‘it was fine’ response! Talk to your child and listen to them. If something doesn’t seem right, contact the teacher and/ or school guidance counselor for further clarification.

Consider the extent of your child’s organizational skills. Part of being a ‘solid student’ is being able to keep track of materials during the day, manage assignments, and make sure everything that goes home comes back to school the next day. Much of the time, classroom grades reflect daily assignments and in-class work. If a student is missing these materials, or is unable to find them quickly, their grades can suffer. Help your child create an organizational system that is comfortable for them to use independently. As the new school year begins, ask to check their binder, assignments, and/ or agenda.This will help teach your child that you are invested in their academic responsibilities, but that they are in charge of staying organized.

Value education. Only speak positively about your child’s teacher, classmates, and school in front of your child. It makes a difference with their motivation in the classroom. If you need to communicate or have specific concerns, call your child’s teacher and/ or building administrator. Everyone needs to vent at times, but try not to do it in front of your child - you’re affecting your child’s academic success if you do.

Make attendance a priority, especially within the first few weeks of school as your child is learning new procedures and content for classes. Be sure that your student attends school regularly and on time; many schools have late policies that can quickly lead to negative consequences (such as detention). If your child has to miss school (such as for an appointment), be sure to follow the school’s procedures for when a student is absent (sometimes a note or phone call is required, and there is a difference between ‘excused’ and ‘unexcused’ absences).

Look up your child’s school website. Many activities and events will be listed, as well as daily announcements, lunch menus, and teacher/ school staff contact information. If you have the time, participate in your child’s school PTO (Parent-Teacher-Organization) or see if there is a way to help with events and activities within your child’s classroom or school.

Our October topic will be “How to Keep the Lines of Communication Open with Your Child’s Teacher”. Best wishes for a great school year!