ENSURING YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS – 08-23-2020

ENSURING YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

Thresessa Childs, Principal of Byron Kilbourn School

As a parent/grandparent preparing your child/grandchild for this school year, I am certain that you have more questions than you have answers: How will instruction take place? What resources (computers, internet service, etc.) are needed to access the instruction? What other information, resources and support do I need to assist my children/grandchildren for on-line instruction? What challenges will I face attempting to maintain a rigorous educational environment in my home? What health precautions, procedures and protections have been adopted and implemented when in-person instruction resumes? Seeking answers to these and other questions can be overwhelming.

This article is intended to prepare and equip you in having the information, resources and support needed to assist your child/grandchild in receiving their educational instruction, and that the appropriate disciplines and structures are in place to ensure that the environment is created for them to best receive that instruction.

Many school districts, MPS included, will start the school year with virtual classroom instruction. It is important to note that although the school year will start with virtual learning for all students, it will look very different from the online learning that took place at the end of last school year. This virtual learning will require parent’s cooperation and partnership to ensure success. Teachers have gone through extensive on-line training as they have been preparing to serve your children with a rigorous educational experience.

For MPS families, MPS has created a series of how-to tutorials that will allow parents/grandparents to assist their children/grandchildren in getting set up and ready for virtual learning. You can access those videos on the Family Resource Page: https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/District/Newsrooms/Covid-19-Updates/Online-Learning-Resources/Family-Resources.htm#gettingstarted

Following are four things that are necessary and essential to best prepare your child/grandchild for success in this coming school year.

1. INFORMATION (What Do I Need To know?)
✓ What is my school district’s plan?
✓ What is my school’s plan?
✓ What is my child/grandchild’s teacher’s plan?
✓ Does my school district provide computers for those who need them? (Note: MPS will provide a Chromebook to each MPS student)
✓ Does my school district provide Hot Spots for those who do not have WiFi? (Note: MPS will provide a Hot Spots to families who need them)

2. RESOURCES (What Do I Need For My Child/Grandchild?)
✓ Computer/Chromebook
✓ WiFi or Hot Spot
✓ School Supplies
✓ School Clothes
✓ Breakfast/Lunch

3. SUPPORT (What Do I Need For Me?)
✓ What support is available to assist me in assisting my child/grandchild with their learning?
✓ What access do I have to my child/grandchild’s teacher?
✓ How do I contact my child/grandchild’s teacher when I need help?

4. DISCIPLINE (What Do I Need To Do?)
✓ Establish the same disciplines and structures as if you child/grandchildren were going to school as normal
✓ Instill in your child that they are in school
✓ Wake you child/grandchild up at least an hour before instruction begins
✓ Provide breakfast for your child/grandchild
✓ Dress your child/grandchild as if they were going to school
✓ Provide a regular and consistent quiet place for your child/grandchild to participate in class instruction
✓ Provide lunch for your child/grandchild
✓ Establish a time for you child/grandchild to work on homework and assignments

The bottom line is for you as parents/grandparents to advocate for you child/grandchild and stay in constant communication with the teacher. Make sure that you receive the teacher’s as well as the school’s phone number and email address. It will make the world of difference in your child/grandchild’s life of learning. Now you know what to do... Do it.

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