Parents Taking Charge in Education Summer Fun and Learning through Exposure Series Part 2 S.T.E. M.s Dreams and Goals by Mrs. Dorothy Barron and Illustrator, Niks

Parents Taking Charge in Education Summer Fun and Learning through Exposure Series Part 2 S.T.E. M.s Dreams and Goals by Mrs. Dorothy Barron and Illustrator, Niks

Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians

     Freedom to Wonder ~ Dream ~ Seek ~ Experiment

It is often said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Parents Taking Charge in Education presents five (5) illustrations for your consideration. If you are looking for future scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians you may want to start here for often

      Their Dreams and Goals may Begin here:

here

                                                                   here

                                                              or here

                                                             

                                                             because

The key to developing scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians for tomorrow will depend much on children having exposure to the world around them today, along with tools and time to wonder, dream, seek and experiment (of course with parental supervision and/or consent).

                                          Congratulations Snigdha Nandipati

Miss Nandipati (14 years of age) is the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion

Illustrations Credit: Niks

Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion Announcement Credit: MSNBC

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

10 Things that Make Many Grandparents Special by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

10 Things that Make Many Grandparents Special by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Does your child have a grandparent(s) that seem to enjoy having your child around; have a wonderful relationship and seem to have all the patience and time in the world to explain things to your child and his/her grandchild? If so, you and your child/ren are most fortunate; some are not. Some grandparents may not be involved with their grandchildren for a number of reasons- geographical distances; estrangement, health, grandparent(s) deceased and/or other reasons.

We will list 10 things that make many Grandparents special to their grandchildren; now, you grab pen and paper and make your own list! Here are ours:

1.       They seemingly have all the time in the world

2.       Your child gets their full attention

3.       They are patient (probably due in part to their second time around raising kids)

4.       They engage and become involved in the child’s world

5.       They really talk to you, teach and get their points across without being judgmental or condemning; not much surprises them

6.       They have a wealth of experience to draw from and much from which a child can learn

7.       They have been where your child is and often understand what the child is experiencing

8.       They understand the importance of praising a child for the little things, his/her accomplishments and even for trying

9.       They are glad to see the child- just look at how their eyes light up at the sight of your child!

10.   They make the child feel important and special and often provide little treats just for the child

 Grandparents possess that special and unique gift of “being there” for the grandchild in a myriad of ways and when the grandparents are no longer physically present they will live in the hearts and memories of the grandchild and others who succeed them.

Perhaps, if you cannot be with your own grandchild, you can assist the child/ren of another Parent(s). Many organizations need volunteers to spend a few hours a week reading, mentoring or teaching a child a skill. Besides, children keep you young, alert and on your toes in many ways. Each person can make a difference; what are you waiting for- go!

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com
E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

10 Benefits of Parents Visiting and/or being Involved inside Their Children’s Schools on a Regular Basis by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

10 Benefits of Parents Visiting and/or being Involved inside Their Children’s Schools on a Regular Basis by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

There are a number of activities of which Parents have and do engage to bring about awareness of problems and the need for various policy changes in Education. Some entail writing letters, forming protests, voicing concerns before school boards, and giving testimony before State Legislatures or Congressional committees.

Even with effective policy changes, such does not necessary mean educators or your child’s school will effectively provide a quality and optimum education for your child. The best way to insure that your child’s school offers a quality and optimum education are for Parents to become well-informed, knowledgeable of the education process, and visit and/or become involved inside their child’s school on a regular basis. There are benefits for doing so.

In my sixteen years as a parent school volunteer and advocate for children, I have noted, as well as listed here ten (10) benefits of Parents visiting and/or being involved inside their children’s schools on a regular basis:

1.      Schools become more attentive in all aspects

2.      Schools become more accountable for their actions and the education of students

3.      Schools begin to look at their schools through the eyes of Parents and visitors

4.      Schools and Students take more pride in accomplishments

5.      Parents can bring about improvements to the school – physically and academically.

6.      Parents can begin to view schools, students and education from a different perspective and through the eyes of each of the aforementioned sectors.

7.      Parents can speak to and address the needs of students and schools as they become more informed, knowledgeable and involved.

8.      Parents and Schools  become knowledgeable of what each can realistically expect of the other.

9.      Parents and school can work together to forge a partnership with the goal of providing the best education for each student.

10.  Parents can become school liaisons.

Parents can make a difference and can effect change inside your schools and in Education.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder
Parents Taking Charge in Education at http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com
E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

School Principal: Is Your School worth Saving? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

School Principal: Is Your School worth Saving? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Principals, as you have begun the new school year, have you incorporated ways to insure that your school continues to remain open and functioning? You are the leader everyone looks to for direction.

The greatest asset to your school is Parents; they are decision makers for their children, they vote and they have a voice although many may not use either to their greatest advantage. They can become your greatest advocate, but cannot support you, your school or program if they are not knowledgeable about the educational process, informed, included and/or involved. As the education scene continues to change, do not keep Parents out of the loop any longer.

Even though Choice in Education abounds, there will always be room and a need for the public school setting. For most part the social ability factor here is unique. The public school setting brings individuals from diverse backgrounds; provide social human contact and the opportunity for students to maintain their individuality perhaps better here than in any of the other educational settings.  

Parents can be instrumental in keeping your school open and functioning. Listed are 8 (eight) things you can do to begin winning Parents’ cooperation and/or forging the school-parent relationship. Administrators, have a good school year!

ü  Have you gotten to know any of your Parents and what they do (occupations)? Some Parents deliver and pick up their children from school. Are you outside greeting those Parents in the mornings and/or afternoons?

ü  Is your school and environment pleasing and pleasant? When students and Parents enter their school, are the floors clean and the bulletin boards decorated and decorative? Are you and your staff professionally dressed?

ü  Have you met with the PTA/PTO President and each of you shared your school year goals?

ü  Do you support the PTA/PTO programs; do you and faculty attend PTA/PTO meetings? If you do not have a PTA/PTO, have you identified Parents who could become influencers?

ü  Have you extended an invitation for Parents to sit school committees?

ü  Have you asked Parents for their opinions/suggestions regarding school matters?

ü  When opportunities arise, do you support Parents and their children outside the school building?

ü  Are you cognizant of specific reasons Parents are not involved with their children’s education/school and what is your plan for getting and keeping Parents involved?

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com