Parent-School Relationship

When school personnel and parents communicate, they establish a stronger learning environment for the student both at home and at school. Schools contact parents for many reasons, including when their child is experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties, when the teacher wishes to discuss future plans for the child, or when the school is looking for parents to serve as volunteers.

Parent Tips

Each parent and teacher has the same goal -- to help children love learning and to be successful. The following are some tips to help parents when communicating with school personnel.
  • Recognize the teacher as an important partner in your child’s education and future.
  • Make an appointment to visit the school and you child’s teacher.
  • Be realistic in your expectations. First, talk to the teacher when there is a problem. Consult with the school principals or his/her designee, if a second opinion is needed.
  • Let your child’s teacher know that you like to spend time in your child’s classroom to share your special skills and interests. 
  • Be active in your child’s school. Let your child’s principal and teacher know that you want to be actively involved.
  • Educators recognize that a child’s first teachers – his/her parents or guardians – play a crucial role in learning. Here are some ways you can support your child’s success in school.
  • Provide your child with basic needs (proper diet, clothing, school supplies).
  • Provide a study environment conducive to learning at home.
  • Contact your child’s teacher(s) and visit your child’s school and classroom.
  • Meet and talk with other parents and school staff.
  • Learn about your school’s curriculum and support services.
  • Reinforce learning at home, in the community and on vacations.
  • Notice when your child completes homework and provide encouragement (For example, you can say, "I really like the way you’re getting your homework done. That’s what I expect from you.").
  • Recognize progress. Praise steps taken and efforts made.
  • Help your child stay calm and confident on test days, and send him/her to school well rested and having had breakfast (or your child can have breakfast at school).
  • Encourage your child to talk to teachers if he/she does not understand an assignment.
  • Read and talk about information sent home from school.
  • Talk about school everyday. When your child knows that you think school is important, he or she will take it more seriously.
  • Discuss with your child how learning in school helps in everyday life.
  • Teach your child to set goals.
  • Be a good example that learning is a lifelong process.
  • Have a dictionary available for your child to look up new or unfamiliar words.