Back to School

Hello,

As we get ready for our children who are heading back to school, it is a great time to take stock of what our expectations are for this school year.  Most parents want the same thing, whether your child receives special education services, gifted services, or general education in public, charter, or private schools.  We want to know that our children will receive a quality education that will prepare them for the next level of schooling as they climb the grade ladder, or prepare them for college if they are close to leaving high school.  We want that education delivered in a safe school environment by staff who support and respect their rights as students, while teaching and guiding them.  We also want them with peers who support a safe climate by following school routines and rules.  “Safe” is not just defined as free from physical harm and threats, we want their emotional needs protected and their esteem held intact.  Sounds like a tall order, but it’s what schools should and can provide.  It happens when parents and community organizations partner with schools to support positive outcomes.  We have to get onto the same page; we have to say what we want in clear, concise language that is not abusive or threatening; we have to take the time to spend the time in the schools and with our children at home working toward the same ends. 

In my next entry I will focus on starting out the school year to support the partnering process if your child has an IEP.