THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN THE HOME AND AT SCHOOL

1. THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE FAMILYIN THE HOME AND AT SCHOOL

2. The Family School Partnerships Children thrive when families and teachers are each doing their part AND working together to support children’s learning.

3. Families are encouraged to be involved in their children’s education. Mothers and fathers, grandparents, aunties and uncles, older brothers and sisters all play an important role in education.

4. BE PREPARED TO LEARN Preparation for a child’s learning in school begins in the home.

5. BEDTIME: Children do best with a regular schedule Following a routine before going to bed each night is important: brushing teeth; putting on sleep clothes; adults reading or telling a story; and going to sleep at the same time every night.

6. SLEEPING AND WAKING Children under age 5 need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. School age children need 9-10 hours of sleep each night. Teens need 8-9 hours of sleep each night.

7. A happy family life helps children learn at school. Children who have regular chores, are taught right from wrong, have daily conversations within their family, and are shown good attention are happier and better able to learn.

8. ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL Talk to your child's teacher about how your child is doing in school. Remember, it’s okay to speak up for your child if he or she needs help.

9. If you need help communicating with your child’s teacher, you have the right to ask schools to provide an interpreter. If possible, do not use children as interpreters.

10. School Attendance is Mandatory If your child is sick or cannot attend school for any reason, contact the school. Simply choosing not to attend school is considered being truant and is illegal.

11. Whether it is elementary, middle, or high school, it’s important to be… on time!

12. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS In many elementary schools there is an after school program and/or free tutoring available that can help your children succeed in school. Activities such as Campfire, Girl or Boy Scouts may also be available.

13. Middle and high schools also offer a variety of clubs and athletics. Encourage your child to participate in after school programs.

14. Supporting Your Child’s Learning At Home

15. Important ways parents can support their children’s learning at home: 1) Promote good study habits • Set aside a place for children to do their homework. • Make sure homework is completed and ready to bring to school the next day. • Check daily for notes sent from school.

16. 2) Talk with children about their school day. • Listencarefully; • Ask caring questions; and • Share thoughtfully your beliefs, ideas, goals, and feelings.

17. 3) Set limits on TV, video games, computer games, and encourage children to read. Books can be checked out at school or borrowed for free from the public library.

18. 4) Get to know your child's school friends. This can prevent children from getting into risky behaviors such as lying, stealing, joining a gang, using alcohol or drugs, etc.

19. When families are involved in learning, the research shows, "students achieve more, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents' education level." (Antunez, 2000)

20. Parenting means being your child’s best advocate.

21. Questions and Evaluation

22. Resources:“Acculturation Handbook Voyaging Together to a New Life:  A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawaii”, HPIRC Hawaii Parent Information Resource Center, 15 Sept. 2008 <http://www.hawaiipirc.org/handbook/index.html>

23. ANCHORAGEAlaska Parent Information and Resource CenterJulie Jessal, Project Coordinator 805 W. 3rd Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-349-0651 JUNEAUAlaska Parent Information and Resource CenterJulie Staley, Project Director 210 Ferry WayJuneau, Alaska 99801 907-586-6806