Starting a New School
A few things to keep in mind for military students.
by Jennifer Morrow
Due to PCS, many military children are starting over at a new school with unfamiliar faces, possibilities, curriculums and expectations. Providing your student with a head start can make the difference between a prosperous and problematic school year. What can you do as a parent?
Research school and state standards. A good school system is high on most house-hunting families’ wish lists. One way to check out a potential school system is to read its yearly state evaluation. Remember, state educational standards vary from state to state. Both school district evaluations and state educational standards can usually be found online. Parents concerned that their children may need assistance in catching up can contact the classroom teacher for supplemental activity suggestions.
Meet the teacher. If your child’s school doesn’t offer an open house night contact his teacher and arrange a meeting. Inquire about curriculum, reading programs, classroom expectations and parental involvement opportunities. Determine the best method of communication with the teacher, be it handwritten notes or email. Establishing a line of communication is essential to the success of most students.
Facilitate friend making. Making new friends may be one of the biggest obstacles students face. Provide elementary-age students with short, organized play dates that don’t overwhelm. Tweenagers may feel awkward beginning a new school year, so allow them to plan and throw their own low-budget, low-key back-to-school bash where party-goers can build their own pizza, ice cream sundae or taco. High school students may also benefit from a similar get together. Extracurricular activities are an excellent vehicle for friend-making, but make sure your student doesn’t become overcommitted.
An organized student is a successful student. To help your student get his ducks in a row:
- Purchase an identical set of school supplies for home.
- Populate a calendar with important scholastic and extracurricular dates.
- Provide your child a “concentration station” where can devote his attention studying.
- Agree on and enforce a time frame to complete homework.
- Establish a “safe folder” in a backpack or binder to transport important documents to and from school.