published: Sunday, April 08, 2012

School board to invest in Be There campaign

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- The school board voted unanimously at its Tuesday meeting to invest in the "Be There" campaign, designed to reach out to parents with helpful tips and useful information, reminding them of their critical role.

Research has shown that students whose parents are involved in their daily lives and show interest in their education consistently do better overall.

Unfortunately, this involvement isn't always possible -- some parents have exhausting schedules, for example, or want to support their child's education but don't know how.

When parents make the effort, however, children want to go to school. They develop self-confidence and better social skills, and as a result their behavior improves, as do their grades and success in the classroom. Graduation rates go up, and more students seek out post secondary schooling.

"I can't think of anything more important in education, than getting parents involved," board member Andy Tuck told the News-Sun. "Be There is a simple approach with a very low cost to the district."

Many things a parent can do are simple, like asking how a child's day went and paying attention to what he or she says; or answering a child's questions in sentences, rather than using single word responses.

Other things are more difficult, like finding a time when the family can gather for a meal together or volunteering for a school field trip.

Parents are the first responders of education, in an excellent position to take advantage of teachable moments, reinforcing a teacher's instruction. Be There provides practical ideas to help parents do this.

For example, when driving in the car a parent can ask a young child to point out specific letters on signs, and count them, or an older child to look for out-of-state license plates and name the capitals of the states.

While on a shopping trip with teens, have them compare and contrast food labels to choose those with the least sugar or fat content, or the most protein.

Ask hypothetical questions that require thought and imagination to answer. For example, if made a monarch for a day, what would they do, or what fictional character would they like to meet and why; or how long would it take to save $2,000 putting away $5 a week and what would they spend the money on.

Be There's campaign reminds parents that children need to feel loved and respected. It helps to leave little caring notes under a pillow, or in a lunch box -- a message even as simple as "I'm proud of you," goes a long way to building self esteem.