by Dr. Gladys I. Cruz
District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES
I want to extend a warm welcome to our returning students and families, as well as our new students and their families. This includes the Class of 2025, our high school seniors who will graduate next June as well as the Class of 2038, or those pre-kindergarteners just starting a 14-year educational journey.
The initial weeks of school are crucial in setting the tone for a successful year ahead. The active involvement of our parents, guardians, and caretakers undoubtedly helps to lay the foundation at home and build a partnership between home and school.
One of the most effective ways parents/guardians can support their children’s success is modeling positive behaviors and expectations. Children learn by observing, and when they see their parents demonstrating responsibility, respect, and kindness, they are more likely to do the same. Encourage your child to be punctual, be kind to their classmates, actively participate in class, and seek enrichment opportunities that satisfy their curiosity or interests.
Children who did not attend summer school programs may need more time or help getting back to routines. The start of a new school year can be both exciting and stressful. The possibility of a new class, teacher, or classmates may impact students differently. This is especially true for those moving from elementary to middle school, or middle to high school, or settling into a new school after moving. Parents can talk to their children about what awaits them so they can prepare for the unknown – which may come at various times during the year.
Attendance is one of the most critical aspects to your child’s success at school. Post-pandemic, schools across the country have struggled with chronic absenteeism. In fact, nearly one in four students nationwide were chronically absent – missing 10 percent or more school days – during the 2022-23 school year. This was an improvement on the prior year, when about 30 percent of students were chronically absent.
Regular attendance is essential for students to keep up with their coursework and build strong working relationships with their teachers, peers, and school staff. Within our BOCES, we have calculated that a missed day in our career and technical education (CTE) programs is the equivalent of missing a week’s work of classes in their home district given that students spend half of their school day with us. On behalf of our region’s schools, we ask for your continued help in making sure that your child attends their school every day ready to learn, unless they are truly ill. Please contact your child’s school if they are absent for assignments and to discuss how to keep up.
In addition to modeling positive behaviors and encouraging regular attendance, parents and guardians also play a role in instilling responsibility. This includes encouraging students to take ownership of their belongings, which may include digital devices both at home and school. This is more difficult now with digital devices available 24/7, with some schools looking at cellphone bans – an issue the Governor said she may seek to address legislatively in 2025. It is important for parents to model effective use of digital devices and family time free of devices where the family can come together for activities such as board games.
Communication is another key element of a successful parent-school partnership. Please continue to stay informed about your child’s progress by attending conferences, communicating with teachers and school staff, reviewing progress reports including report cards, asking about assignments, and checking on your child’s progress.
Encourage their independence in schoolwork – while asking for help when needed. It is important to also instill and model time management skills in your child. Showing interest in your child’s learning – from asking about their day to celebrating their successes – goes a long way to expanding their commitment and confidence in school and in lifelong learning in general. If your child is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out to their teacher. The point-of-contact is often the best place to resolve concerns, though there will be times when you may need to speak to someone else.
Working together, we can create an environment where all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported – and they can reach their fullest potential, no matter their age, ability, background, or interest. Best wishes for a successful school year.
This column appeared in the Register Star and The Daily Mail newspapers on September 17, 2024.
