Western High School, Davie, FL

Tips For Parents

The Parent Involvement Communications Council, which is composed of representatives from various District departments and parent organizations, has developed a series of six "Tips for Parents" items it would like share with Wildcat parents.

Responsibilities & Attendance
* It is important that your child attend school regularly and that he/she has the necessary school supplies.
* Provide the school with current personal information ( e.g. home address, phone numbers, emergency contact information)
*Be sure your child gets enough sleep and has a healthy breakfast each morning.
*Explain that taking responsibility sometimes requires courage. Praise your child’s efforts to be responsible.
*Regularly tell your child what your expectations are and support his/her efforts to meet those expectations.
*Over-scheduling can cause stress and frustration for both parents and children. Try to limit extracurricular activities.

This information was compiled by the Parent Involvement Communications Council. For more information, contact the Community Involvement Department, 754-321-1970 or visit (www.getinvolvedineducation.com).

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Tips For Parents

Communication
*Meet and communicate regularly with your child’s teacher(s). (e.g. phone, E-mail, notes)
*Share information about your child with the teacher(s).
*Talk daily with your child about school assignments, homework and other activities.
*Be aware of all homework assignments and insist they be completed accurately and on time.
*Attend all scheduled parent-teacher conferences and request conferences to address concerns.
*Make sure all necessary forms and papers are signed and returned to school on time.
*Access the District (www.browardschools.com) or school’s Web site for information.

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Tips For Parents

Support
*Provide a quiet, well-lighted, comfortable place to study and do homework.
*Encourage positive feelings about school.
*Encourage your child’s efforts and be responsive to questions and requests for help.
*Instill in your child a sense of self-discipline and respect for all people.
*If your child needs a mentor, contact the school’s mentor coordinator.
*If needed, request information and assistance from the school in other languages or call the Parent Outreach office at 754-321-2951.

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Tips For Parents

Literacy & Academic Achievement
*Help your child understand that success in school, or with anything, involves hard work.
*Encourage learning and reading at home.
*Provide a wide selection of books and encourage your child to read.
*Read with your child every day and set a good example by reading and sharing information.
*Acquire a library card for your child and make regular trips to the library.
*Provide tutorial assistance for your child if needed.
*Monitor your child’s progress in school.

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Tips For Parents

Volunteering & Mentoring
*Contact the school’s staff liaison for volunteers to learn about volunteer opportunities.
*Visit your child’s classroom and participate in activities when appropriate.
*Donate supplies and craft items that can be used in the classroom.
*Become involved in planning and conducting school activities, events and fundraisers.
*Mentor a child. Contact the school’s mentor coordinator.

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Tips For Parents

Leadership & Collaboration
*Learn about and attend PTA, PTO, SAF, SAC, ESOL Leadership Council, ESE Advisory and Gifted Advisory Councils.
*Become involved with the Title I Executive Parent Advisory Council. Call 754-321-1410 for more information.
*Become involved with the Head Start Policy Council. Call 754-321-1950 for more information.
*Attend workshops and training programs offered by the school or school district.
*Share information with other parents. Learn about school policies, education funding and legislation.
*Monitor the educational support, policies and decisions of elected officials and maintain contact with them.
*Attend School Board meetings and learn about the decision making process.

This parent information was compiled by the Parent Involvement Communications Council. For more information, contact the Community Involvement Department, 754-321-1970 or visit (www.getinvolvedineducation.com).