Parents vital education partners

Involved and committed parents are one of the most important elements of their children’s education. They have the opportunity to enter into a vital partnership with teachers to provide the necessary support for learning and achievement to take place.

In turn, children understand from this partnership that education is highly valued and important to be successful. Where does this all start?

First and foremost, parents are their children’s first teachers! We know that those precious bundles of joy (and maybe a little apprehension and other feelings!) do not come with “handbooks.” And we know family structures have changed, with many young couples without extended families and grandparents. Those new mothers and fathers are without that time and experience-tested knowledge of growth and development.

Also, we have many of our children being raised by a single parent. And even with the best and equitable custody arraignments, it can be hard on children. Yet, with all the supports in place, both parents, extended family and friends, parenting is an incredible challenge!

Second comes a shift and it is a major shift. The child enters school. In essence, the parents are handing their child off to, basically, a stranger.

We do know that happens in many cases well before kindergarten with day care, which can, and does, take many different forms. Yet, school is different. It is for a long time, and in more ways than one. In most cases, it is all day, for many years, and with many changes along the way.

This is where that vital partnership begins to take place and forms. And I cannot emphasize enough just how important the need is to establish and maintain that partnership through their children’s school experience. Of course, like other relationships, it will ebb and flow. But, I believe it will enhance the message, TOGETHER, we can help your children be SUCCESSFUL!

Next, we know that parenting does not stop even after this hand-off. In fact, it becomes more complicated, because a third party has entered that picture: the teacher. And to complicate things even more, that third person changes every year.

But it does not stop there. In middle and high school, it becomes multiple partners. Wow, then throw in coaches, youth leaders and friends. Then to take it over the top — boyfriends and girlfriends!

Sometimes I have asked myself, being a single parent (for a time) of two children, a boy and girl, how did we get through it? Let’s not forget stepchildren, and that parenting aspect, or grandparenting! That is a completely different wrench thrown in the mix!

So, where and when to begin this vital relationship? To state an overused cliché, no time like the present! This week schools across the district are having parent/teacher conferences. Hopefully, parents have had the opportunity to attend back-to-school picnics and open houses and have met their children’s teachers. Some may have not, because of other commitments. Yet, these conferences are an ideal time to take 15 to 20 minutes to check in and do a dip-stick reading of your children’s learning progress.

Mat-Su teachers are prepared to give you a progress report of your children’s successes and assets, up to this point and time, in the school year. Also, teachers can provide information on any possible liabilities to remediate with your support and assistance.

It is early in the school year and a great time to help by providing any insights that maybe vital for your children’s success in learning. You cannot overestimate how valuable your attendance and partnership is to ensure the academic success for your children and their future.

Please join the team with your children’s teachers to make it all come together. Together we can make children successful!

Michael P. Carson is a 30-year veteran teacher in the Mat-Su Borough School District.