School and Parent Partnerships

Posted: November 05, 2008

Recently I came upon this poem by Mark Taylor which introduces the thoughts I have wanted to write about.  I have included it below.

The Sculptors

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind,
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher, the tools he used
Were books and music and art,
One was a parent, with a guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled
With touch that was deft and sure;
While the parent laboured by his side
And polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last their task was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought;
For the things they had molded into a child,
Could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If they had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher, the home.

 

A partnership between the school and the parent is the combination most likely to ensure the success of a child.  Without a doubt, the parents are the child’s first and most important teacher.  The teacher in the school is generally most responsible to teach the child the components and concepts of reading, math, science, and other important subject matters.  The child generally spends more time at home than at school, and so support from the home is vital. 

As an educator I just want to reiterate the importance of this partnership.  Parents, grandparents, and caregivers provide so much support to the formal education if they will do just a few important things.  These things, simply stated are:

  • Read with your child for twenty minutes every day.  It’s simple, but not easy.  Truly, it can be the best twenty minutes of the day.
  • Ask your child every day what he/she learned; what happened during the day.  Be aware of not only what your child is doing, but also how your child is internalizing what is happening at school.
  • Support your school by participating in school functions—volunteer by being a participant in the Parent/Teacher organization; volunteer in the classroom, and attend after school functions with your child.
  • Finally, support the teacher.  When misunderstandings occur, go to the school with an open mind and try to work to resolve the issue in an amiable way.

I believe I speak for most educators when I say that it is a privilege to work with your children.  They are delightful and amazing.  But it is hard work and the task we have been given is enormous.  Our goal, which hopefully is similar to yours, is to help your child grow and develop into a well educated and well rounded adult who will contribute to our community and country.  We appreciate your support!

By: Terry Garner, Principal, Heyburn Elementary School