The effectiveness of parent contacts continues to amaze me. This is one of the tools that we learned from NTI in our earlier classes. Certainly we should begin at the first of each school year as we welcome students to our class.
Later if we need to call the parents for their assistance and to share knowledge and viewpoints, it is surprising how we both seem to have the same concerns. Just as we are seeing a change in the students at school, so are the parents/guardians. Often times not only does the call help us to correct the behavior, it helps the parents to deal with other issues. The call from us provides the parents the motivation they need to address things they are dealing with at home. A lot of times the parents are sitting back thinking this is not a big concern and that the problems will pass. A call from us often gives them the reinforcement they need.
Just this week I had an opportunity to phone a parent and find they were noticing similar attitudes. It mostly had to do with the condition called senioritis but it provided the parents a chance to address the child’s lack of focus, motivation, declining grades and generally poor attitude. This student has big plans for college and a career and needs to understand the need for staying focused.
Thanks,
Ron
Ron I agree keeping good contact is a nust. I have had so many parents thank me this year for calling and keeping them informed. Good or bad that line has got to be open and is crucial to the education process of the students. Without that communication to me the process is broken.
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