The Lowe Down

The Role of Parents at Corner Brook Regional High  - Gerard Lowe

As a teacher in a large high school, I know the important role that parents play in the education of their children. This role is not only critical in the home but also in the school. Few schools would function adequately without the parents playing a vital part in their day to day operation. At the high school level, most students are embarrassed if their parents are anywhere near their friends of favorite hangouts. Fortunately a great number of parents know that in order for their children to achieve the greatest success possible in their academics and extra-curricular, their involvement is necessary.

Be actively involved in your child=s school. Become familiar with the day to day operation of the school and take an interest giving your child the best education possible. The school has a huge role to play in this process but you also have a part to play. Here are a few suggestions that will assist you in ensuring that you have the best possible relationship with your child and school staff during those important educational years.

1. Follow proper procedure.

Most administrators have standard operating procedure for things that happen in their school. For example, if you want to meet the teacher you are expected to call or e-mail them and set up an appointment. Do not drop in and expect to get a half hour of their time when they are not prepared for your visit. Teachers are very busy during the school day and may not be able to accommodate you.
Another standard procedure in schools is to check in at the administration office before entering other areas of the school. This rule is in place for your child=s protection. During school hours the only people expected to be in the school are students, teachers, administration staff and cleaning and maintenance personnel. All other person must get permission to be in the school. When this is done properly and staff becomes familiar with the people who enter the school with permission and they can be aware of suspicious persons and better protect your child. There have been many serious incidents at schools around the world that have forced school boards and school administration to take greater measures to ensure your child’s school environment is safe.
Be sure to become familiar with school policy as it relates to teachers, staff, students and parents.

2.  Check school website daily.

Technology now plays a huge role in the running of Corner Brook Regional High. Go to <http://www.cbhs.k12.nf.ca/> and you will find megabytes of information related to what is going on in our school and how to check out your child’s progress without even having to call a teacher. A sick child can now get their missed homework through Homework Portal. No need to call in and ask for work to be sent home. You can check out your child’s attendance and academic progress through K12 Planet. You can see individual teacher’s webpage’s and download the lessons from any day you like. Regular contact can be made with teachers through school e-mail without even calling the school. You can even read many wonderful school and life skills articles written and posted in a section entitled The LoweDown.

Take the time to check out our great website. You will not be disappointed.

3. Find out teachers expectations

Attend teacher/parent conference early in the year to get to know your child=s teacher and be aware of their expectations for academics, behavior, homework and many of the other things that happen in the classroom. If your child has special circumstances related to their health, bussing or other matters, they can be addressed at this time.


4. Be a volunteer.

If you are interested in being involved in your child=s school, be a volunteer. There are thousands of things that need to be done in the run of a week. There are clubs, sports teams, educational travel, dances, fundraising, etc. If you are interested in volunteering your time to one of these worthy activities, speak to the school administration and they will be sure to keep you busy. Volunteer information is posted on our website.

6.  Set aside time for home study

Make home study a priority. Students at Corner Brook Regional High ALWAYS have homework. It may not be assigned work but each evening students can take time to review notes, prepare for upcoming tests and assignments, read novels and subjects notes, etc. Never accept the statement “I don’t have any homework!”. Your child’s teachers will disagree. Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin. "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."


7. Talk to your child

Ask your child about their day at school. Show an interest in their education and complement little or large feats. Create a comfort between you and your child that will encourage them to speak to you when they are excited or troubled about the circumstances of their lives. Be firm in your expectations but generous in your time, hugs, unconditional love and understanding.


If you have any comments about this article or have an idea for future articles, feel free to write me at gerard.lowe@wnlsd.ca.