Tips for a Successful School Year
(from the vbschools parent/teacher handbook)

• Talk to your child’s teacher frequently. Together you are a team for your child’s academic success.
• Provide a quiet place and a consistent time to do homework. Support your child in homework efforts but refrain from doing the homework.
• Help your child learn to follow directions. Give one- and two-step directions and see that the task is completed.
• Teach your child to show respect for others by using polite phrases such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
• Model and reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Help your child learn his/her address and telephone number.
• Guide and monitor your child’s television viewing.
• Listen to your child and encourage your child to talk about new experiences.
• Explain the meaning of new words to your child.
• Encourage your child to succeed by encouraging his/her best work, but do not expect more than your child is capable of doing.
• Involve your child with reading and writing activities.
• See that your child gets a good night’s sleep and has a nutritious breakfast.
• Write your child’s name on all personal items brought to school such as coat, hat, gloves, boots, sweater, lunch box, etc.
• Refrain from sending to school a sick child or one who has had a fever within the past 24 hours. This precaution will help preserve the health of other children.
• Please telephone the school when your child will be absent. Your child will need a written excuse upon returning to the classroom.
• Dress your child according to the weather; outside activities will take place when the weather permits. A note from you will be required if your child should remain inside because of a physical condition.
• Provide the teacher with a correct telephone number where parents or a family friend may be reached during the school day, in case of an emergency.
• Discuss with your child what to do and where to go in the event you are not at home when he/she arrives.
• Monitor your child’s academic progress in school using the SchoolNet Parent Portal. Learn about this great online resource at vbschools.com.