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

The Gift of Giving: Providing Opportunities for your Child to Give Back to Society by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The Gift of Giving: Providing Opportunities for your Child to Give Back to Society by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents, it is never too early to teach your child/ren the importance of giving back to society and providing opportunities for your child to help those who are less fortunate and cannot give a gift in return of financial value.

Some years ago, giving back to society by helping others was a common practice provided predominantly by or through the following:

1.      Siblings- when households consisted of 5, 7 or more brothers and/or sisters one learned to share and/or assist, which expanded outside the home. Now that many parents have reduced the number of offspring to 1-2, individuality has emerged and many children do not learn or practice the art of sharing as much as in the past.

2.      Church- the practice of helping others were taught and learned at an early age.

3.      Parents (grandparents) - often set the example by helping others and getting their children involved likewise.

4.      Neighbors (community) - Many among the elderly who desired to remain in their homes had no fear of being placed in a nursing home as long as the community was filled with families with children. Children became the neighbors’ golfers (go for it). If the elderly needed errands run, assistance in the home, transportation, the community and often the Church rose to the challenge and assistance was forthcoming from Parents and their children.

Parents, when you try too often to impress upon your child/ren verbally how much they possess (from a material standpoint); how much they take for granted the roof over their head(s), food, and the support and care you provide, do not be surprised if you hear muttering, grumbling and mumblings of “oh no, not again” or you get exasperated looks from your child/ren. In fact you may find yourself talking to empty air or even hear the child respond with “Dad or Mom, we know, we know!” and in the same breath ask, yet again for something else for him/herself. Now, you are exasperated! Some lessons are taught better through example and if important, should be implemented by you, the Parent.

Economic hardship permeates and abounds; there are those who are less fortunate than you and your family or I. Why not provide the opportunity during the upcoming holidays for your child/ren to give back. Parents, during the hectic holiday season, for some it is easier to write a check or donate to a charity. This season provide an opportunity for your child/ren to become involved. Their observation of your writing and signing a check does not count (smile), nor does a school related activity.

4 Ways to provide Opportunities for your Child/ren to give back to Society:

1.      Get your child/ren’s suggestions; it never ceases to amaze how innovative children can become.

2.      In the past, I have utilized various department stores’ Christmas gift-giving campaigns for children. After having viewed information listed for and on each child on a placard hung from a Christmas tree, one would select a placard(s), purchase a gift for the child, wrap and place the gift under the Christmas tree. Consider allowing your child to choose, purchase, and depending on age, wrap or assist you with wrapping his/her selected gift and leaving the gift (prevents the child from expecting the gift him/herself) where designated at the store. It should be interesting viewing what your child selects.

Note: It may also be necessary to place some financial limitations.

3.      Call a community organization, homeless shelter or nursing home - inquire of their need(s) during the holiday season; you and your child/ren can plan according to information obtained (perhaps even providing or participating in an activity or event).

4.      Many go to Church ceremonies during the holiday season - find a less fortunate family to provide gifts and/or a meal; donate food (you and your child/ren will purchase together) to holiday baskets that will be distributed, or distribute a basket or baskets. When your family sits down to your own family meal, you and your children will truly know and feel that you are truly blessed and/or fortunate.

5 Benefits your Child/ren may obtain through giving back and/or to those less fortunate; your child

1.      Focuses on others instead of self

2.      Can realize how blessed and/or fortunate he/she is from a material standpoint

3.      Can increase self-worth and/or give your child a purpose

4.      Can produce a good or warm fuzzy feeling from having helped someone less fortunate and made a difference

5.      May feel less guilty about his/her own abundance

The Holiday Season is rapidly approaching; begin planning with your child/ren now!

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

E-Mail: http://www.dorothybarron.com 

Building Confidence through New Experiences by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Building Confidence through New Experiences by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

“It is that we do well that gives us confidence to embrace new challenges and endeavors (Mrs. Dorothy Barron).

Can you assist your child with building confidence through new experiences? Certainly!

I want to share three reasons how new experiences can assist in this area.

Ÿ  New experiences can provide your child the opportunity to obtain knowledge on different topics, think independently and engage others in conversation with confidence.

Ÿ  New experiences can assists your child with becoming more self-assured and confident. 

Ÿ  New experiences can give your child the confidence to seek and accomplish even greater challenges upon having mastered previous experiences.

How do you feel when you have accomplished or mastered a challenge through a new experience? You feel great and most often ready to take on the world!

During my sixteen years as a parent school volunteer (7-9 years full-time), one of my primary goals consisted of introducing students to new experiences with the approval of Parents and/or school administrators. Parents, there are any number of tools and resources at your disposal to help you assist your child with building his/her confidence. I now want to share three past experiences with you.

                                           What’s in Your Food?

Many years ago, I served as 4-H Leader at an elementary school wherein emphasis was placed on health and nutrition. With the assistance of the school principal, 4-H students were taken to the grocery store. Students read product labels, noted and compared the nutritional value of and between various products. Such also provided the opportunity to practice Math and Reading skills. A menu had been compiled and students shopped. Social skills were utilized as we all worked together in preparation and enjoyment of the meal. Students having been a part of a positive experience in which they participated and accomplished gave them a sense of worth and increased confidence.

                                             Acts of Gallantry

At Middle School level with the invitation to conduct an Etiquette Workshop, a room was utilized to conduct the workshop. A beautiful table was set and students taught and provided the opportunity to practice setting the table (proper placement of silverware, glasses and plates). The young gentlemen seated the young ladies who suddenly became very shy and embarrassed (smile). The workshop was over and done, but evidently not what had been taught. One day as I walked down the hall, I glanced over my shoulder to view a small male student a good distance behind me. As I approached a school hallway door, suddenly someone zipped by me. When I looked forward again, the young male student had raced by in order to open the door for me. The young gentleman gave me a slight nod which indicated I was to precede him. I returned his acknowledgement with a nod, smile and “thank you.” The student strolled off a bit taller and prouder and I, proud of the young man’s achievement which increased his confidence and his act of gallantry.

                        Not on Top of the World Yet, but on Top of Atlanta

Not only have I served as a substitute teacher in both the public and private education sectors, I have taught Bible Class. My favorite age group level consists of students in Grades 5^th-7^th. They are in transitioning mode and more inquisitive. As a reward for a class of young ladies grades 5^th-7^th for having done a very good job in their Bible studies, I elected to provide a unique experience for them. Limousine reservations were made and the young ladies were treated to a fine dining experience at Atlanta’s Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza (website info below). *The Sun Dial Restaurant is a unique experience within itself; it sits 723 feet above ground or 73 stories high and slowly revolves. As the young ladies comfort level of their surroundings grew, so did their confidence.

A word of caution: Parents, do not fail to expose your child to experiences simply because you are of the opinion the child will never have need of such. You do not know the opportunities of which your child may be presented in the future or you.

                               An Etiquette Activity Assignment

Parents, got a fork, knife, spoon and napkin (paper towel/piece of cloth)? Put them on the table along with a glass and plate. Allow your child to set the table (basic setting). If you have more than one child, allow each child to set his/her own place setting. If they do not have the experience or remember how, make it fun and interesting. Have them research via the internet. For those who do not have Internet at home, but at school, send a brief note to the teacher explaining your objective (you are teaching parenting skills) and make a request of the teacher to allow your child to briefly look up the information on the Internet at school. Have fun!

Parents Taking Charge in Education wishes to thank Mr. Anuj Sood, General Manager of the Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza (Atlanta, Georgia) for having granted permission to include information about the restaurant in today’s post.

*The Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza website: http://www.sundialrestaurant.com. Architect design by Mr. John Portman.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

School Conferences: Disciplining Your Child in the Presence of Others by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

School Conferences: Disciplining Your Child in the Presence of Others by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Has your presence been requested by your child’s school for a conference due to your child‘s adverse behavior or action(s)?

You may or may not have foreknowledge of the reason (s) for the school conference; however, in Parents Taking Charge in Education Parental Guidebook Series 1, “How to Hold a School Conference,” one recommendation is that you request prior to the school conference the purpose and issue(s) to be discussed during the conference if not forthcoming from the school prior to the conference. Such affords you the opportunity to prepare, gather information and/or in this case, get your child’s perspective of the situation and have your child explain his/her behavior and/or action(s).

Parents, I would not presume to tell you when or how to discipline your child, but I would like to ask you to consider your actions during a school conference and the disciplining of your child due to adverse behavior or actions in the presence of others during a school conference.

Suppose you attend the school conference and learn that your child is at fault and the child’s behavior and/or action(s) totally unacceptable. As a Parent, you are displeased, embarrassed and/or angry at the child. You may even view your child’s action as a reflection of you as a Parent and/or your parenting skills. Parents, what you do at this point is crucial to all involved and parties present.

Ÿ  Be careful how you speak to your child- speak in a caring and calm voice.

Ÿ  Make sure your child knows and understands that his/her behavior and/or actions were inappropriate or incorrect.

Ÿ  Be careful of your actions. You have good intentions and may even feel it important that others in the conference realize you do not condone your child’s behavior or actions and are serious about correcting the problem, behavior and/or action. If you feel it necessary to discipline at this point, halt the conference briefly and remove you and your child to a more private place.

Ÿ  Do not use the situation as “tit for tat” or a means of retaliation; the child’s behavior or action(s) have embarrassed you and now, you choose to publicly embarrass the child. Consider disciplining the child later at home. Such gives both you and the child time to think about the situation and you, time to consider the best action(s) to take in rectifying the situation and/or dealing with your child.

Ÿ  If amends and/or restitution to others are necessary, do so and ensure that your child issues a sincere apology. Many Parents also issue an apology on both the child and Parent’s behalf.

I suggest you consider the above, because and from experience I have found that:

Ÿ  Educators often treat your child/ren the way you do.

Ÿ  The manner in which you handle your child and the situation speak volumes of you as a Parent, as well as your parenting skills.

Ÿ  Most children will disappoint Parents at some point and time. In this case, how you, the Parent handle the school conference publicly with your child can build or break a bond of trust and communication between you and your child. Should you allow the bond to be broken, others will use it to their advantage and you and your child’s disadvantage.

For more tips, see, by Author, Mrs. Dorothy Barron’s, Parents Taking Charge in Education Parental Mini-Guide Booklet, How to Hold a School Conference? Parents, do you also have your PTCnEd Parent- School Conference Tracker Mimi-Guide? It can assist you with keeping track of the conference and keeping the conference on track.

                                            PTCnED Parent-School Conference Tracker
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

For information on how to get yours, go here: http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/02/mrs-dorothy-barron-parents-taking-charge-in-education-announces-parents-taking-charge-in-education-s.html or send an e-mail to: jarrod@jarrodspublishing.com

 

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

School Uniforms or Not? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

    School Uniforms or Not? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The question, should students should be required to wear school uniforms or not resurfaces from time to time? First, I will list some pros and cons and then share some insight. Please feel free to add to the brief list below and/or compile your own list.

Parents, should students be required to wear School Uniforms or not?

            PROs                                                                          CONs

1. Uniformity - dress code wherein students                          Lack/loss of Individuality

are all required to dress in a school uniform                         which can produce negative often down to the same type of socks and shoes                                           conditioning and mindset

2. Hassle free for Parents - less clothes/one outfit                  Cost of uniform& lost items

3. Viewed as balancing the playing field - children               Underestimation of a

less uncomfortable with what he/she does not have             child’s perception of peers
if all are dressed alike                                                              and world in which they live

4. Educators’ view- means of added security-                      Fights and worse over decreases in fights over possessions                                                                     possessions

Secondly, how does your child feel and what are his/her thoughts on the subject of being required to wear a school uniform each school day; have you inquired?

As a Parent, for some, it would be easy not to have to worry about the purchase of different school outfits. In the case of school uniforms, most likely someone else has determined and decided what your child will wear. For many, if all children dressed in uniforms will decrease school fights, for most it is a no-brainer. Many Parents and others endorse school uniforms.

On the other hand, clothing in one aspect expresses one’s individuality. Many adults have special clothing that when worn provides a sense of confidence, comfort and/or security. Such may consist of a favorite dress or suit, a “power” tie, and old comfortable tweed jacket, a favorite pair of heels that sprightly click of assurance and confidence, etc., etc. Children are no different; a favorite set of bows, a special dress, blouse, shirt, pair of jeans, jewelry or shoes may present the same for them.

What may be even worse is the message this dress of uniforms sends to both children and adults when mandated by law. Will students become geared and conditioned through the mandated wearing of uniforms that it will not be difficult to exchange a school uniform for a prison uniform later in life? Will students already reduced to student numbers and statistics eventually forget their individuality and become conditioned to not only dress alike, but act, think and look alike? We have actually reduced society’s standards. Instead of teaching the importance of each person’s unique and different qualities and other necessary lessons of the realities of life, the mandating of uniforms have/are being substituted.

Parents, the decision of whether your child/ren should be required to wear school uniforms or not are ultimately up to you. Should you and other Parents oppose uniforms, you should pursue the issue. Should you and the school decide in the affirmative, make sure you discuss this matter with your child and if the child has concerns, discuss and try and resolve them; make sure your child’s school promotes a positive image of student uniforms and not simply a solution to a problem or problem children and finally ensure that you and the school promote and advance each student’s individuality and uniqueness. Society has enough followers; society needs more leaders.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Prepare to Serve and Lead by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                           Prepare to Serve and Lead by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

First, I want to apologize for having placed a Slinging Stones Blog Post here at my Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog two weeks ago. Somehow, it would not post to the designated website. My preference is to keep each blog separate. From experience, I have found that most Parents have enough on their plates and for a good number politics complicates their lives even more so. Do not misunderstand, I am not saying Parents are not interested in politics, only that most have full schedules and with children being a high priority and time consuming, there are only so many hours in one day and politics in many instances take a lesser priority. Then again, it is said, “everything happens for a reason.” With having said that, I am going to use this opportunity to encourage you to become more involved in the Political process. I have also added a link to my Slinging Stones Post titled Going to the Law- The Constitution of the United States: Pt. 2 of 3 World Order or Social Disorder and Destruction by Mrs. Dorothy Barron at http://www.dorothybarron.com/slingingstones/2011/08/going-to-the-law-the-constitution-of-the-united-states-pt-2-of-3-world-order-or-social-disorder-and-destruction-by-mrs-do.html due to its relevance.

Parents, others may assist, but “no one is going to do for you what you should be doing for your own child/ren” (Mrs. Dorothy Barron). Some of you who have children of school age should consider preparing yourself for politics in an effort to insure that families and children are kept at the top of this nation’s agenda. We live in a country where there is so much wealth, yet families are struggling, unable to make ends meet and some are even on the street.

It is time that younger men and women who especially have families pick up the political gauntlet and assist with moving America forward and upward. It is not my intent to speak disparaging of America’s leaders; I simply state that which is obvious. Of the nation’s leaders, a good number have lost touch with society and the present needs of society; some live in the past and the good ole days and focus on the recapture of such. Due to the fact that many no longer have school age or young children, families do not appear to be their top priority even though families are the most important unit in a society and children are the posterity of both.

Parents, there are a number of ways you can begin to be involved in politics and the political process. Education is both big business and political. A few consist of the following; you can attend PTA/PTO meetings and become acquainted with the organization’s laws and due process and procedures; attend school board meetings, community and neighborhood planning meetings, city board meetings and/or stay abreast with what is happening in government and politics. As you learn the process and procedure prepare to serve and run for office. For many students, the new school year has already begun; remember, a better world begins with each of us.

May both you and your child/ren have a good school year.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

The Little Boy Who Could Run by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The Little Boy Who Could Run by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Once there was a little boy who could run very, very fast. In fact, he would rather run than walk. When he began school, of course running inside the school was not allowed. The teachers, principal and other students would often remind him not to run, but he kept forgetting. Due to school budget cuts and focus on testing and retesting in preparation of standardized tests, there was no longer time for physical education (P.E.) or events such as May Day, which allowed students to show off physical skills and abilities. All he ever heard was “stop running,” “slow down,” and “do not run.” He heard the same at home from his parents; “stop running in the house” and “slow down or you will fall.” It took the little boy a couple of years to finally remember to stop running and he did stop running, at least around and in the presence of grown-ups.

Others did not realize that running was the little boy’s talent. Not being very good in school and constantly told not to do something he absolutely loved and was extremely good at adversely affected his confidence and self-esteem.

When the little boy reached middle school, his friends who knew his love of running decided to take matters in their own hands. Before rehearsals for the track team occurred, his friends manipulated events that got the school coaches on the track field and the friends challenged the little boy to a race. There was no contest; the little boy was in his element and boy did he run! The coaches never without their stopwatches hit their timer buttons and stared with amazement at the little boy. The friends had long dropped into the background and when the little boy came to the finish line he kept going; the coaches hit their stopwatches again and the little boy repeated the performance only this time breaking his first record. The coaches raced down to the finish line and asked the little boy why he had never brought it to their attention that he could run? The little boy look at them and simply replied, “I have always been told by adults to stop running or do not run.”  Needless to say, the little boy was back to running with approval this time from adults. Feeling good and accepted for his talent and ability to run his confidence and self-esteem improved as did his grades.

Parents, are you providing opportunities for your child to use and/or showcase his/her talents and abilities? Educators, is there at least one subject or activity within your school in which each student engages and accomplishes that enables the child to feel good about self and which can increase the student’s confidence to master school subjects and other skills and activities?

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

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

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com