Getting on the Same Page with Student Expectations

I went to my children's open house where I received a pamphlet for each of their grades (1st & 4th). They outlined all of the subjects to be covered in each curriculum and the expectations of what the students would learn. It was as if my request instantly manifested the material. (That happens to me alot.)

If you haven't yet received these pamphlets, please follow up with your school administrator, or the HPS Central Office (407-2000/www.hamden.org).

I feel that Dr. Bonner and her staff did an excellent job on these pamphlets and they satisfied my general curiosity. However, they don't address the specifics of each classroom.

Rather than a school or district-wide handbooks, wouldn't it be great if teachers could send home a flyer per semester, outlining what's coming up, like a syllabus? Some teachers already do this, but it should be mandatory. In fact, they probably have it all typed up but just need to share it.

Last year my daughter's kindergarten teacher (thank you Mrs. Whalen) sent home a monthly flyer outlining what they were working on and special events and requests. Not only could I plan my time for her school work/visits, I could begin teaching her how to plan her time to get the assignments done on time as well.

The agendas that kids first get in third grade are somewhat helpful in keeping on top of homework, but you need to rely on the child to take good notes about what the assignments are and when they're due. It's a skill the kids need to learn, but a little backup would be nice, even at the high school level.

It all comes back to communication, this time between parent and teacher. A simple outline, with perhaps a brief description of a teacher's philosophy and/or methodology, would go a long way to helping parents to help their children succeed.

BTW - Information about an individual school's staff, procedures and policies, should be included in a school handbook and student directory, which is typically produced by the school PTA. The school calendar has district wide contact and policy information. Both should be available from your school secretary.