We are just a few weeks away from our first extended break of the school year. As we have pushed our first official grading period and teacher conferences back a bit this school year, we will still continue to actively communicate with you regarding your child's overall growth and progress. As a school we not only continuously reflect on your child's academic progress but also their growth spiritually, emotionally and socially. As educators our focus remains on educating "the whole child." Just as our teachers open their hearts to their students each day we ask that you open your hearts and minds to feedback and information shared and given by teachers. Please remember that one does not have to wait until scheduled conference times to reach out to teachers with thoughts, questions or reflections...Below you will find a few questions that may be helpful at any time should you notice a change in your child's behavior, performance or demeanor at home ~
May I Tell You About What's Going on at Home? Situations like illness, divorce or a new baby may affect your child's school experience, so inform your child's teacher of such circumstances.
How is My Child Doing Socially? How your child functions socially in the class is a topic that I have learned over time often supercedes questions related to academics. Feel free to inquire about your child's peer relations.
How is My Child Doing Emotionally? It's also important to ask about your child's emotional health at school. For example, is your child generally happy, sad?
In What Areas Does My Child Need Improvement? Your child's teacher sees him/her from a different perspective than you do. Ask the teacher what areas your child might needs to work on, and listen to the response with an open mind.
What Do You Think My Child is Particularly Good at? Find out about the good stuff, too. Ask about personal strengths that will extend beyond school.
Is My Child Doing His/Her Best? No matter where your child ranks in relation to grade level expectations, one important analysis of his/her performance is whether he or she is putting forth their best effort. Does the teacher get the sense that your child is slacking off or not focusing?
Does My Child Need Extra Help in Any Areas? Your child's teacher can tell you if your child is falling behind in a skill or subject. Armed with that information, you can create a plan with your child to work harder in that area and collaborate with the teacher to ensure the proper resources and tools have been put in place.
Do You Have in Any Advice? If you need help with an issue your child is having, ask the teacher for input. Teachers have worked with dozens or hundreds of students, and many have sage advice to share.
How Can I Help? What can you do to support your child's teacher in the classroom? There might be supplies you can purchase, prep work you can do at home or other ways you can assist in the classroom.
Warmest blessings,
Dr. Voelkl
