Back to School: 10th Edition

This is the final edition of the Back to School series! Over the last 10 weeks, we have discussed topics relevant to the beginning of a new school year. It is my hope that you have been able to reflect and apply some of the practices mentioned. I encourage you to continue being flexible and adaptable as the holiday’s and breaks are swiftly approaching. Make the necessary plans and preparation to ensure your child’s out of school time is educational and enriching.

Last week, we spent some time discussing Common Core. As a follow-up, I wanted to offer some additional information from my experience. In theory, Common Core is a great way to provide a foundation that can be built upon as your children progresses through each grade level. The reality of the situation is that there are other factors that hinder the theoretical realization and implementation of the standards within the classroom. These challenges come in the form of lack of training for teachers, misaligned curriculum, lack of support, limited funds, etc. These challenges vary as far as what teachers have control of because of the origins. They range from federal, state, district, and building level challenges. Administrators, teachers, and parents have the responsibility to control what is within their sphere of influence, thus we must take what we have been given and make the best of what we have to meet the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of learners related to academics.

Please be aware of the what Common Core means in your child’s school/classroom and how you can support your child’s learning both inside and outside of the classroom. I encourage you again to be informed about Common Core, as it is a key issue that you will see within the political arena as a topic of debate. Equip yourself with information to make informed decisions about your child’s education.

CHALLENGE: Please feel free to give me feedback on any topic that you would like to know more about, have questions about, or challenges you’re experiencing with your child.

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Dr. Shameika Moment                                                                                                                  Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

I am an educator, parent advisor, tutor, business owner, and aspiring author. I have taught students in K-12, inside the classroom and in the community from general education to social skills development. I have a passion for helping parents connect with, learn from, and support their children’s academic success and learning. This blog is one of many ventures to provide support for parents as they navigate the daily responsibilities.

Back to School: 4th Edition

Still waiting to hear from you! How are things going? This week I got the opportunity to hear from my students. I asked them what they wanted their parents to know and I got some interesting feedback. I was in middle school this week and they told me to tell you about volunteering. Now they explained to me the why and I’ll share that with you and add my own spin on it as well.

So when they told me volunteering, my next question was “why do your parents have to do that for you?” Meaning who’s responsible for identifying the volunteer opportunities and following through with securing them. As we discussed it more, they helped me see their point of view. So, prior to me asking this question we were discussing plans and options after high school. One student shared his 6th grade school internship experience with the nurse’s office and how it helped him discover that medicine is not something he’s interested in. From this I identified the importance of volunteering as an opportunity for exposure to discover interests, likes, dislikes, etc. that can help later on in life when choosing a path for life after high school. For younger students this could include commitments and participation in extracurricular activities. For all ages, in spite of gripes and groans, make it a point to volunteer as a parent-child or family at a local community organization. This will allow for discussion afterwards regarding the experience. I encourage you to inquire with your employer, family, and friends about volunteer opportunities. This is also a great way for you and your child to work together during research online seeking out opportunities. In the process, you can ask about likes, dislikes, share your observations and suggestions regarding opportunities to explore. Your investment now can help later as your child is making life decisions regarding employment, career choices, and higher education.  

Now, parents we talked about clearing your calendar and being available for scheduled conferences and other events. I now encourage you to find ways to volunteer at your child’s school. These volunteer opportunities include donating your time, talent, and treasure. I’m sure there are many opportunities to do so now since its the beginning of the school year. Seek out these opportunities, rather it be a field trip chaperone, PTA participation, committee leadership, fundraising efforts, classroom speaker, etc. The opportunities are endless, send an email to the teacher or call the school to find out more!

CHALLENGE: Talk to your child about their interest for volunteering, identify an organization to volunteer, and schedule a date to put it in action. OR Find out about volunteer opportunities at your child’s school and set the wheels in motion to fulfill that obligation. What did you find out about your child? Yourself? 

Check out the following link to find family volunteer opportunities: http://www.thevolunteerfamily.org/

Back to School: 1st Edition

So, are you ready? Mentally? Physically? Spiritually? A dawning of a new school year brings with it mixed emotions and plenty of work to get ready! What have you done to prepare? How was meet the teacher night?

School clothes, supplies, schedules, extracurricular activities, etc., etc. This list goes on, this is just the beginning. I encourage you to take the time reflect on your ideas, principles, and beliefs regarding education and its importance. Be mindful that your thoughts and feelings will determine what you communicate to your children regarding education. Think about what’s most beneficial for them and communicate from that place.

I also encourage you to use the first week of school to get into routine and make your presence known. No matter what grade your child is in, it’s important to communicate from the beginning your investment in your child’s education. Take the school calendar, which should be available from the school office or online, and mark your calendar accordingly for days off, conferences, school pictures, concerts, games, etc. Take the time to be present for these commitments well in advance, communicate with your employer, request the time off, and whatever else you need to do. This week can be the start to a great year if you take the time now to prepare for the future. Find out the communication methods your child’s school uses so that you know when, where, and how to look for information concerning what’s happening. Find out if your child’s teacher/class has a webpage, Facebook page, etc. Find out expectations and commitments from the teacher and communicate yours as well. Use technology to your advantage whenever possible.

In addition to setting expectations with teachers, be sure to share your commitment and expectations with your child. What can they expect from you in terms of support? What do you expect from them? Go beyond the standard “get good grades.” Really think about the character of your child and how you want them to develop, all things considered. Try telling them that good grades are expected, but above all else they need to do their personal best, ask for help when needed, and communicate their needs to you and their teacher. Encourage communication and demonstrate it as well. Revisit or establish responsibilities and expectations for school and home as well as consequences and disciplinary measures.

Your open communication in the beginning will lay the foundation and pave the way to overcome challenges as they present themselves in this upcoming school year. Remember that communication involves listening and speaking.

CHALLENGE: I challenge you as a parent to be more involved this school year than what you were last year. Remember the power of your presence! Tell me what you will do and how your child will benefit. I look forward to hearing from you!