Darien Teachers: Advice for Getting Involved with Your Child's Education

Countless studies, experts and education professionals tout the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education, affirming the benefits for the student’s performance.

It’s a simple premise to comprehend: When a child observes a parent placing importance on his or her education at home, volunteering valuable time at school and communicating with teachers, the child is more likely to remain engaged himself.

And many parents do invest their time at home and/or school. Those that don’t may face time constraints, financial stress, family obligations or don’t realize their own effectiveness in their children’s education.

Darien teachers, principals and deans weighed in on getting and staying involved in your child’s education at every level from elementary through high school.

1. Attend Curriculum Night, which is usually the first formal introduction to teachers, as well as any open houses. Emily Heise, Third Grade Teacher at explained that “vital information is given and [parents] will be informed of school events.”
2. Parents can establish communication at the beginning of the school year with a short email to teachers, especially in those subjects that might be a struggle.
3. Until a student is able to responsibly complete homework assignments, parents should review assignment notebooks to ensure students are prepared for the next day’s class.
4. Have a conversation about the school day by asking open-ended questions rather than those that can be answered with “yes-or-no’” Principal Paul Windsor advised. “Don’t accept ‘nothing’ as an answer to what your child did at school today,” he said.
5. Help establish an after school routine, whether parents are away working or at home. For example, begin with an after-school snack, a short break and then homework assignments before TV, going outside or gaming privileges.
6. Parents can participate in helping their children study. “Most students do not know how to study for tests, and many students study differently,” explained  sixth-grade teacher Jen Manescalchi. Parents can help their kids realize their learning style. 
7. Volunteer time to help with extracurricular and classroom activities as well as school events including dances, fundraisers, PTA/PTSA/PTO committees and athletic and music booster clubs.
8. Attend all teacher conferences, said Paul Windsor, regardless of whether the student’s grades or behavior are an issue. Alex Bitto, dean of students stressed that in addition to conferences and communication with guidance counselors, parents should use resource tools such as the Home Access Center to keep apprised of grades and attendance before problems manifest themselves.
9. Encourage student involvement in a club, sport or activity. “It has been my experience that (involved) students are more likely to make positive choices and do better academically,” Bitto explained.
10. Send kids to school physically prepared for their day. As Jen Manescalchi advises, “A hungry, tired child struggles to learn, because their brain does not have the fuel it needs.”

For more information about getting involved in your child’s educational success, visit Project Appleseed or the U.S. Department of Education.