Montana is Beautiful and What about the Dog?
One of the largest states in the USA with one of the smallest population of residents in the USA. That combines for a once a year conference for all educators in MT. Enjoy a quick view of Billings, MT.
Poll on EDUCATION: Does your school administration believe the research that shows “active” family involvement increases academic achievement?
Center for American Progress: Schools for the Whole Community
If you watch this video or even read the article, it communicates exactly
what we are training with Schools And Families Engaged. Why S.A.F.E. TEAM?
Connecting with Your Child’s School Counselor for a Successful School Year
This information was copied from the American School Counselor Association website
Connecting with Your Child’s School Counselor for a Successful School Year
1. Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor. School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students.
2. Meet or contact your child’s school counselor at least three times per school year. The beginning of a school year is an excellent opportunity to initiate contact with your child’s school counselor and doing so can ensure your child’s positive school experience. Find out who the counselor is and what his or her experience and background are. By communicating with one another at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, parents and counselors can have a definite impact on a child’s success.
3. Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor. As a parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your child’s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help your children.
4. Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school counselor. When you need information or assistance, your child’s school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance, and dress; know the school calendar of important dates and stay connected with the school in many other ways. The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community when you need them.
5. Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with your child’s school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s education and preparation for life beyond school.
THIS WEEK is National School Counseling Week
School Counselors: individuals in a school who support the students and families of your school with MANY different needs. Our organization speaks for school counselor conferences all over the USA. The S.A.F.E. TEAM supports the mission of the American School Counselors Association.
Look for great ideas on ASCA's site.
Why START a S.A.F.E. TEAM
This presentation was taped while Scott Huse, (Chief Inspirational Officer for S.A.F.E.) delivered the keynote during a state school counselor conference. This 23 minute video will provide you the inspiration and education for understanding, family, education and WHY to START the S.A.F.E. TEAM program within your school or school district.
Grab a sandwich and drink, sit back and listen. Actively engaging families is the key to success in education.
Tips for a Successful School Year as a Parent
Watch the video. Great Schools website founder discusses the basics.
Parenting is Key, Everyone Agrees
Dr. Bill Cosby and his co-author Dr. Alvin Poussaint appeared on Meet the Press with David Gregory last weekend with Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) and Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington, D.C. Each one said it in different ways but they all agreed--parenting is KEY to answering problems of education reform, high unemployment, high crime, high incarceration rates, and rising economic uncertainty.
My favorite quotes? Cosby's, "You've got to go home and be a parent!" along with Obama's insistence on last Father's Day that missing fathers have brought suffering to the foundations of family. Dr. Poussaint wished for a national conference call on parenting while Rep. Waters reported that a recent Black Caucus Retreat identified parenting as their number one concern. Cosby reported the massive impact that serving another person can have (even on prisoners) and Mayor Fenty predicted a tremendous favorable impact just from the images of Barack Obama preparing his young daughters to go off to school. But hey, check out the 5+ minutes of video clips and see the whole program on Meet the Press.
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We gotta make the grades – all A’s so every student can graduate and go beyond.
Attendance = Students have to be at school to learn. (Parents this is your responsibility to follow through or ask for assistance.)
Attachment= If a student feels connected to the school and has a desire to attend because they are connected in some way, they will keep coming back. (Schools this is a significant piece to understand. Involve your community in this vision.)
Achievement = Everyone Graduates. There is no other goal. Any lower goal is failure. We are here to provide a solid education to ALL children/students. (This is a community buy-in issue.)
Attainment = Students have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue secondary education, prepped for the workforce, etc. (The student is now challenged to be a great and productive citizen in our society. )