Getting Involved in a New School Year

How can our family get off to a good start this school year?- Organized
Answer:The first few weeks are very important for setting a good foundation for the rest of the year. Here are some steps that all families should take.
1. Make sure that the family calendar is in sync with the school calendar. This will help in planning vacation times and times when you may need to arrange for extra care for your children.
2. Attend back-to-school or meet-the-teacher evenings, along with any other special meetings that affect your children. It's a quick way to become acquainted with your children's teachers and find out what will be expected of your children.
3. Read the school handbook so that you are familiar with school procedures. You will learn how to report absences, handle medical appointments, drop off or pick your child up at school, and contact teachers to arrange for conferences or to discuss any problems that might be going on at home. When everyone follows the same procedures, it definitely makes life a lot easier for the office staff and will help you avoid making mistakes in dealing with the school.
4. Take the time to fill out all parent information cards. Make the appropriate changes if you move, change jobs or get a new phone number. Schools need to be able to quickly get in contact with you if there is an emergency. If these cards are out-of-date, time may be wasted in trying to contact you.
5. Get involved in some school activity. You will learn so much more about how the school operates and become better acquainted with teachers, staff and other parents. Find an area where you are able to participate. Since many parents work, most schools now have functions for parents before school, in the evening and on weekends. Schools also offer opportunities to help with one-day activities such as field trips, sports days and science-fair days.
6. Visit our Web site (www.dearteacher.com) and search for "back to school" to find additional things that should be done at the start of the school year.