How to Stay Involved in Your Child’s Education

The last parent-teacher conference you attended for your high school student was a bit of a shock; several assignments were missing and your child’s grades were not exactly what you anticipated. It seems more difficult every year to keep up with the advanced projects and extracurricular activities, and sometimes you feel overwhelmed. Below are a few ideas from the Diocese of Orlando on how you can become more involved with your child’s high school education.CommunicateOpen the school year by attending orientation with your child. Meet each teacher and provide him or her with contact information so everyone is able to share information pertaining to assignments, special events, et cetera. Parent PortalOur schools offer parents the ability to check student grades online by visiting our website and signing on to RenWeb, PlusPortal, or another portal. Teachers share grades and due dates for assignments to keep both students and parents apprised of progress and timelines. Mid-term reports will also give a clear indication of areas where your child may need additional help before the end of the semester.VolunteerBeing on your child’s campus helps you more fully understand how the school operates. When you are able to see teachers in action, you have a better idea on their teaching strategies and the structure of assignments. You also gain the trust of many of the students so you can take in multiple points of view.Support Your ChildWhether your teenager plays the trumpet, is involved in the Beta Club, or is a star soccer player, be there to cheer him on in his activities. Your participation in his favorite extracurricular will build bonds not based on academics while still being school based. This gives a gentle segue from activity to academics to keep the mood light and conversation flowing.Ask For HelpIf your child is struggling, ask the school advisor or your child’s teacher about tutoring services. Tutoring is available for students who are struggling with individual concepts or entire subjects. A tutor will give a second perspective on learning and teach your child important skills such as time management and organization. Check with your child’s school to learn about tutoring fees and times. Your teen’s teacher may also offer one-on-one assistance, or the school might have a program that provides peer tutoring from other students.Rely on Other ParentsYou may find the support of other parents beneficial as you maneuver your way through your teen’s high school years. Find other parents who are interested in helping each other; if you live in the same area you may be able to assist in picking up each other’s children after sports or band practice. Being able to share stories and ideas with other parents can answer many of the questions you may have pertaining to school functions, especially if your child is a freshman.Your student is much less likely to ask for your assistance than he was in elementary school. Therefore, you must ask him frequently how classes are progressing, whether he needs any assistance, and if he has any issues that need to be addressed. When you communicate frequently and openly with your child, these conversations will sound normal rather than stilted and he will be more likely to respond, especially when your initial conversations are positive instead of approaching him when his grades are falling. Learn more about how you can positively influence your child by reading our blogs, and contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4800 with any questions you may have on our school grading and education policies.