Arizona Education Network

“Ready! Set! Go back to school!” Steps for a Successful K-12 School Year

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It’s that time of year again when Arizona’s parents of K-12 children begin to prepare for the return to school! You’ve checked off each item on the school supply list. The backpack is packed and ready to go. The new lunch pail is in the “ready position” on the counter. And the first day of school is circled in bright red on the calendar. You and your child(ren) are SO ready!
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Hold the phone!

Your AEN team have a few additional items of academic swag to add to your list; steps you can take to be an effective advocate for your child and his/her school community. Parents are a busy bunch. Ballet, soccer, supper, family time–all important items scheduled into your day. This list of suggested steps ranges from minimum to active involvement, so you can pick and/or tailor your involvement based on your availability. You will likely see several steps you already take (yay, you!). With the help of your AEN team, you can maximize that effort in the most effective and efficient way. Now if only supper could be so easy….
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“Book it!” Bookmark your school and/or school district’s website to your web browser. This simple two minute step ensures that you remain a click away from learning what’s happening with your school community, as well as up to date on important district meetings and news.  You may also want to save your child’s teacher’s email address for easy reference and quick emails to keep the lines of communication open.
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“Hello, teach!” First school day introductions are just the beginning. Keep in touch through email, make contact at drop off/pick up, and/or a telephone call. An established communication with your child’s teacher will go a long way in diffusing an issue should one arise, as well as keep you informed as to the needs of your child, the classroom, your school community, and the teacher(s).
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“Head to the principal’s office!” Principals are important stewards of your child’s school. Don’t wait for an issue. Seek out and introduce yourself and your child to your school’s principal. This will make it easier to engage in simple “hellos,” as well as establishes an opening to any future conversations you may have regarding your child’s performance and/or the needs of your school community.
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“Attend the PTA/PTO/FFO coffee!” Whether your school has a PTA (Parent Teacher Association), PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), or FFO (Family Faculty Organization), they are a great resource and wealth of information related to your school community and the school district. Your involvement can range from attending a meeting, volunteering for a project, and/or running for President/VP/Treasurer/Secretary/Grants, etc.
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“Get active!” Locate parent, student, and community groups in your neighborhood! These organizations are full of enthusiastic supporters and advocates for public education who provide an invaluable resource to parents in our community.
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“Get to know your legislative representatives!” Knowing who your representatives are is important, but staying in touch with your legislative representatives should not be limited to the election cycle. Your AEN team’s “How to Advocate For Our Schools” is a great guide to establishing a line of communication with your elected representatives, as well as the governor, and a contact list for members can be found under the tab “Legislature & Governor”. While some issues affecting your school district and school community may be district/school specific, many begin and end at the Capitol with our elected representatives. The legislative direction and tone on issues affecting public education (read funding) can impact your school community significantly. So reach out to and politely remind them that you’re a parent with a school-aged child who votes.
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“Join the AEN team!” Your AEN team is made up of parents, grandparents, and citizens just like you who recognize the primary importance that education has within our community.  Membership is open to everyone and there are no special pledges to sign, parties to join or checks to write.  We try to make it easy to stay informed about the educational issues in our state – please join us today!
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