Classroom Confidential
Name the movie: “Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” Do you know? It’s Joe Fox e-mailing Kathleen Kelly in the classic chick flick, You’ve Got Mail. This line always transports me to the first days of school as students proudly unload their fresh new supplies and sharpen their shiny #2 pencils for the first time. They are eager to put them to use with whatever task their mysterious new teacher will assign them. It’s a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.
Paving the road to a successful school year involves planning ahead, building relationships and maintaining a positive attitude. Your leadership in establishing these things will influence your child’s attitude, confidence and performance, both academically and socially.
Here are some tips, from the perspective of school personnel, for having a successful school year.
From the desk of the teacher….
Dear Parents,
It is my job to help your children grow toward their potential, both academically and socially. I am there to teach them, encourage them and believe in them. Please establish a partnership with me in meeting these goals. I am required by the state and school to get through a required set curriculum while meeting every child’s needs. To say this is challenging is an understatement. Our days our jam packed, and I make hundreds of decisions regarding what is best for the class and individual students. Here are some tips:
- Communication is the key to success! Research shows that positive communication leads to better results, both socially and academically. Attend conferences and participate in school functions. Schedule an appointment to discuss significant concerns and use e-mail for informal or clerical questions. Teachers’ schedules are especially busy right before and after school.
- Model the importance of education by respecting and supporting my homework policies and classroom management structures.
- Read, read, read!!! Reading is the foundation for success in life!
- Keep a balanced level of involvement. You don’t want to be a helicopter parent as school is a time for kids to learn independence and experience success and failure on their own in order to grow emotionally.
From the desk of the secretary…
Dear Parents,
I am the manager of the school’s daily operations for students, parents, teachers and administrators. It is an extremely busy and, at times, stressful job. Therefore, I must be extremely efficient and determine the importance of tasks that need to be done. The best tip I have for you is:
- READ the resources we provide you! These come through e-mail, newsletters and information on our website. They typically answer a majority of the questions you may have about calendar items, paperwork, inclement weather notifications, school events, etc. The office answers daily phone calls in the hundreds, and many of them are questions in which the answers have been provided to you through the mentioned resources.
Thank you for your help in making our school a more efficient place to learn.
From the desk of the principal…
Dear Parents,
It is my job to be the primary leader for students, parents and teachers in our school building. I will facilitate a safe and effective learning environment for your child and promote a positive school community. I will uphold the standards and guidelines to keep our school safe and an optimal learning environment. Here are my tips for success:
- Join the school PTA! This is the best way to support your school and have your voice be heard.
- Respect and follow school expectations. These will be communicated to you early in the year and are made in the best interests of your child. Please respect them so we can focus on your child’s learning!
- Go to the source. If you have a concern or problem you would like to address, refer to the primary source. If the issue is occurring in the classroom, start with the classroom teacher; if it’s in library, contact the school librarian. Not every issue requires my involvement. When it does, we will work in a partnership until the problem is solved.
From the wheel of the bus….
My job is simple. It is to safely transport your child to and from school. Safety is number one in my world.
- My bus riders will be clearly informed of my safety guidelines, and I will enforce them all year. Please support these.
- Be on time! Time is also of the essence, especially on the morning pickup. Please make sure your child is waiting at the bus stop when I arrive. I don’t have time to wait for late arrivers, so manage your morning routine accordingly.
If you have any questions regarding bus policies, contact the district transportation office.
From the lunchroom… It is my job to offer your child a balanced meal every day. My tip is:
- Stay on top of your child’s lunch account balance. Find out your school’s method of communicating lunch account balances and manage it accordingly. It is something that seems to slip parents’ minds, so incorporate it into your monthly bill payments.
Have a terrific new school year, families of Kansas City!
Amanda Doll has loved her summer break but can already smell the pencil shavings. She couldn’t ask for a more rewarding job, outside of being a mom, than being a teacher.