Working with the school at this age is a dilemma for many parents. When your child was in elementary school, the path to parent involvement was more clear. Your child’s teacher probably needed volunteers and sent a letter home requesting specific help.
In middle school, receiving such a letter is unusual. Having students come and go all day is challenging for teachers. Adding parent volunteers into this mix could be chaotic.
Never think, though, that your child’s school doesn’t value you. The school, and your child still need you very much.
Of course it is important that you show up at school to attend conferences and other school events. And there are things you can do at home, too:
In middle school, receiving such a letter is unusual. Having students come and go all day is challenging for teachers. Adding parent volunteers into this mix could be chaotic.
Never think, though, that your child’s school doesn’t value you. The school, and your child still need you very much.
Of course it is important that you show up at school to attend conferences and other school events. And there are things you can do at home, too:
- Encourage your child’s progress and effort in school.
- Be aware of your child’s homework. Monitor and suggest ways your child can find help. But never do homework for your child.
- Talk to your child about what he would like to do when he graduates. The day will arrive sooner than you might imagine!
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Source: Kathleen Cotton and Karen Reed Wikelund, “Parent Involvement in Education,” Northwest Regional Education Library. Reprinted with permission from Copyright (c) 2007, The Parent Institute.