The start of the new year brings students new opportunities to have another successful year. Parents can help their students meet their goals.
“It’s really important for parents to be engaged because it’s a partnership,” said Ron Zahnd, Director of Elementary Education. Families know their student the best, he said.
“We cannot do this alone,” said Dr. Josh Lewis, Director of Secondary Education. “We need our parents to be partners with us to support students… so students can reach their fullest potential.”
When families are involved in their children’s education at an early age, students have more commitment to their school and education, research shows, Mr. Zahnd said.
“As a district… we are working on having our students (take) more ownership in their learning,” Mr. Zahnd said. That includes having them speak more about what they are learning.
Research supports the idea that parent engagement has a positive impact on students, said Dr. Lewis.
“When parents are actively engaged – teaching them how to be organized, supporting the whole child... and being partners at school – students are going to thrive.“ Dr. Lewis said. Dropout rates among students are lower, grade retention decreases, and attendance rates are higher.
“It doesn’t have to be all about grades or being the top student in class,” Mr. Zahnd said, “It’s about learning, and celebrating those accomplishments and the growth they have made.”
School sites can help if parents notice their child is struggling or needs extra support.
Having regular check-ins with teachers allows everyone to better understand how to meet students’ needs, Mr. Zahnd said.
Every school site has student study teams comprised of teachers and administrators who come together to problem-solve ways to support students, meet their needs, and challenge them in various ways.
Parent organizations and events, such as Coffee with the Principal or parent workshops, allow parents to stay connected with school staff as students promote into middle and high school.
“When (students) see their parents asking questions or being involved in school, going to events, and connecting with teachers, it teaches students to be their own advocates in their education,” said Dr. Lewis
