A lot of parents are shaking their heads in disbelief that it’s that time again.  Setting the alarm clock, packing lunches, dealing with homework and figuring out how to deal with all the extra-curricular activities can only mean one thing, the new school year is here.

    While some parents are doing the dance of joy, others are struggling with the fact that summer went by so fast and their little one doesn’t seem so little anymore.  Regardless of which camp you fall into, most parents want to do everything in their power to make it a great school year for their children.

    Several teachers were asked to give their suggestions to parents to make the school experience positive for everyone involved. 

Here are their words of wisdom:

• Be informed - Read information sent home by your child’s teacher.  Teachers are often asked questions about information that was addressed in newsletters or other correspondence.  Become familiar with school curriculum, policies and procedures.  Be sure to consistently check out the school website.
•  Be responsible – Respond promptly to requests for your signature.  Send lunch money, field trip money, PTA dues, etc. in a timely manner.  Teachers spend precious time sending home reminders about this and more.  Make it a habit to check with your child daily for notes and information from school.  Attend parent/teacher/student conferences. 
• Be a good role model – Demonstrate the importance of following school rules and procedures. Make sure your child gets to school on time and is picked up on time.  Look for opportunities to meet and greet all the adults your child will encounter at school. 
•  Be supportive – Join PTSA and attend meetings.  Offer to volunteer.  Even if you are unable to go on field trips or volunteer during the day, you may be able to help in other ways. 
• Be Reasonable – If you need to meet with the teacher, send an email or note requesting a meeting.  It is hard for teachers to have quick unscheduled conferences in the hallway when they are trying to keep up with their class.  If your child is sick, keep him home from school. 
• Encourage good homework habits – Help your child understand the importance of completing homework assignments in a timely manner.  Offer assistance and encouragement, but make sure the final product is a reflection of your child’s effort, not yours.  When parents provide structure and guidance and then allow their children to learn from their mistakes as well as their successes it shows they care.
• Keep the teacher informed - Send a note or talk to your child’s teacher about issues that may affect your child’s performance at school.  If your child is dealing with grief, divorce, sibling rivalry, nervousness about an upcoming event or excitement about a visit from out-of-town grandparents, it is good to share this information.  Make sure the teacher knows about health issues such as asthma or allergies.  Provide information on what procedures you follow in the event of an allergic reaction.
• Encourage healthy habits – Whether your child buys lunch or brings a lunch keep the emphasis on good nutrition. Encourage your child to spend time being physically active through play or sports.  Make sure your child gets enough sleep. 
• Read together - Children benefit enormously when parents read with them. Make reading together a daily habit.  Help your child acquire age-appropriate books about topics that interest him. 
• Express Appreciation – Teachers strive to inspire students to be lifelong learners.  They often make the work they do look effortless, but it requires a lot of expertise and countless hours of planning to do what they do.