Ways to Boost School Success

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
1.  Does each member of the family know the important telephone numbers and addresses needed if they don't have use of speed dial on their cell phone?
2.  For younger children, write in black permanent marker on the inside of all their shoes-the telephone number of parents and/or guardians. This can be a secret place where they can find the number if they need it in an emergency.
3.  Create a word that the family knows that will be a signal if someone is in trouble; This word can be texted or left on a message, if necessary.
4.  Teach each member what to do if something or someone is bothering them, touching them, etc. Provide guidance on where they should go for help and what they should say.
5.  Establish fire and disaster safety rules for your home. Have a fire drill.
6.  Talk about fhe differences between people who do good things and people who do good things just to get closer to you to harm or hurt you.
7.  Talk about saying "NO" and the ability and power that each family member has to use this option.
8.  Ask older children or members of the family to talk about their own personal experiences and what they want to let the younger members of the family know about keeping safe and out of harm's way.

        END HOMEWORK BATTLES EARLY......
If last school year was a homework nightmare, act fast to put strong practices into place to ensure success. Tips from families whose homework times are usually peaceful and struggle -free:
     *Choose a quiet yet "public" place in the house for homework:  A desk in his or her bedroom might work for an older, self-motivated student, but most kids do better at the dining room table-this fosters more accountability and makes it easier to make sure they are working.
     *Give the child responsibility:  Children in grades 2 and up need to understand that homework is their job, not mom or dad's.  Kids should start their homework time by reading you what they have from their assignment notebook.  After this initial check-in, children should get to work silently with little discussion.  Parents respond to the child's questions ion a way that guides the child to the solution without giving away the answer.  Parents are available but not sitting with the child.
     *Keep homework time focused:  Families with successful students often don't allow video games on school nights, turn the TV off if anyone in the house is doing homework, and keep cell phones away from the teens until homework is complete.  In academically oriented families, homework is each night's priority, and other activities are made to fit around homework, not vice versa.