Parents - we need you!

I left school this evening at about 6PM. That is actually fairly normal for me at least once a week, but don't worry I try to leave before 5 the other days. To be fair, our kids don't get out of school until about 4PM, so the time sorta flies by if I'm staying late. I spent my evening with a colleague calling parents. She is the Spanish teacher and was kind enough to speak to my Spanish speaking parents for me - for that I am totally thankful.

As teachers, we need our parents and we've got to stay in contact with them. Every time I speak with parents I have so many that thank me for calling because they know I don't call just about the "bad" stuff. I call for the good, I call if I see a change in the kid that troubles or confuses me, I call for missing work, and I call to find out what is going on if I see something change that is out of character.

I know how time consuming it is to call parents, believe me, I called almost every one of my parents the first two weeks of school and it makes a huge difference. Our parents are the second line of offense (we are the first really), and we need to utilize them. If your parents have email addresses, set up an email group and send out group messages on occasion so the parents know what is going on (blind copy your Admin as well, it is a great way to show yourself off and to let them know the kind of communication you are doing). Many of my parents love the fact that they have an inside scoop on what is going on and can ask their kids about the assignment. The kids seem to be shocked that their parents know what is going on in classes. It also builds a great report with the parents and they are more willing to help if I need help and ready to listen if there is a problem.

Contact your parents for the good and bad - don't be afraid of them, they really are on our side, assuming your side is the side trying to help the kids learn.

Thanks for changing the world one kid at a time.