The first full week of the 2004-05 school year begins tomorrow. Students have settled into their classrooms, met their teachers, memorized their locker combinations and schedules, and are making new friends. However, despite all that teachers have prepared for this year, a student's success can be greatly impacted by the support they receive at home.

There are numerous ways parents can support their children in their education. First, meet your child's teachers. This can be done conveniently throughout the next month during the back-to-school curriculum nights scheduled at each school site. At these meetings, teachers will discuss the curriculum taught this year, classroom behavior expectations, and offer homework tips. Teachers will also offer information on how parents can best reach them to schedule parent teacher meetings, or to discuss problems if they arise.

In addition, there are volunteer opportunities available that differ according to a teacher's classroom needs. Teachers will have sign-up sheets that offer everything from chaperoning and planning classroom activities, to tutoring, to making copies of classroom materials. These curriculum nights are especially helpful for parents of secondary students adjusting to the expectations of several teachers. Secondary curriculum nights offer parents an opportunity to learn about grading procedures, attendance and tardy policies, make-up work and extra credit opportunities, all information invaluable in the busy lives of our older students who often balance extra-curricular activities, church assignments and employment with their schoolwork.

One way to get involved with your child's education is to join the Parent Support Groups. These free support groups offer tremendous support to both teachers and students in various ways throughout the school year. There are numerous ways parents can become involved in everything from organizing a school activity, assisting in the library, selling spirit wear or snacks during lunch or serving as test monitors. Information about the meeting times and volunteer opportunities are available during curriculum night and people will be available to take any questions about the groups.

Bartlesville Public Schools offer ParentCONNECTxp as a tool that can help parents track their secondary children's assignments, attendance and behavior. This convenient computer program is available to anyone with Internet access. Parents can use the program to communicate with teachers through e-mail and to see upcoming assignments and tests as well as their child's current grades. You can register for ParentCONNECTxp through the office of your child's school.

Being involved at your child's school is one way to offer support, however the ways you support your child at home will also impact their education. Talk to your child about their school day. Ask about their assignments. Help them study for upcoming tests. Provide a place where they can concentrate on homework away from television, video games and other distractions.

Bartlesville Public Schools has an outstanding teaching staff, teachers that dedicate numerous hours to their craft and to the success of their students. Truly, these teachers will do anything to help each student be successful. However, our teachers need the support of parents in these efforts. With parents and teachers working together, Bartlesville Public Schools can continue to “Strive for Excellence.”