The Ram Connection - Howell Township Public Schools

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The importance of a strong working relationship between a child and the teacher is easy enough to understand.
Keep in mind, however, that this is only half of the equation. Just as important to your child’s school success is
the relationship that you, as a parent, cultivate with the teacher.
You and the teacher each have unique perspectives on your child and a wealth of information to share.
Information that can be used to help your child capitalize on strengths, overcome obstacles, and thrive in the
classroom. In addition, the teacher has access to data about your child that you may not be aware of, such as
insight into your child’s learning styles.
There may be times when your child is struggling in the classroom or is having discipline problems. When
problems such as these arise, it is important to stay calm and give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. Get in
touch with the teacher as soon as possible. Ignoring problems only makes them worse. Get the teacher’s
perspective on the issue at hand, and work together to develop a solution. If you and the teacher cannot come
up with a mutual solution, then you may wish to contact Mrs. Jurlina or myself. However, keep in mind that it
is always best to try to solve the problem with the teacher first.
One of the best ways to build a parent teacher partnership and show interest in your child’s learning is to set
aside time each day to discuss specifically what the child is learning. The easiest way to do this is through your
child’s homework. Homework is a review of what is currently being taught in the classroom. Ensuring that
your child is completing homework to the best of his or her ability is key. Drop a note to the teacher if your
child struggled with a certain concept. Please do not do the homework for your child, but rather leave it
incomplete and include a note stating that your child is having difficulty.
School is challenging. Many parents have commented that many of the things they learned in high school are
now being taught at the elementary level. Today’s elementary school has changed considerably since we went
to school. To meet these challenges, every child must come to school regularly, keep up with the work both in
school and at home, and have the parental support needed to meet with success. Your child needs you to value
school and the education she/he receives here. School and schoolwork should be every child’s top priority.
Yes, today’s school is not the school of the past. The future is in the hands of our children, and together we can
help them develop the skills they will need for their future. Showing your support may be difficult. It may mean
scheduling your vacation so it does not interfere with school time. It may mean sitting down to go over
homework when you’ve had an exhausting day at work. It may mean cutting down on children’s activities after
school so that they can concentrate on their schoolwork. It means putting your child’s education first! The
Ardena faculty and staff realize that this is a tall order and may involve compromises that are difficult to make,
but we are here to work with you.
In closing, I would like to extend my sincere Holiday Wishes for you and your entire family. It is my hope that
2012 is your best year yet!
Wishing you Health and Happiness in 2012.
Respectfully,
Deborah Pennell, Ed.D.