Growing up during the ‘70s and ‘80s in rural Arkansas was a glorious time of simplicity. Oh, I didn’t know it at the time. The biggest choice I had to make heading back to school each year was what kind of lunchbox I wanted to get. My favorite was an old metal one with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves on it. I wish I still had it!

We weren’t required to have five different binders filled with specifically branded tabbed dividers or an expensive calculator for every type of math we took each year. There were no school supply lists as long as your arm or summer reading assignments. Summer reading assignments would have sent me completely over the edge.

There was no flood of school emails. There was no email at all. Back then, a note sent home from your teacher or school was not considered to be a good thing. Now, school notes are a weekly or daily occurrence filled with nuggets of knowledge about the business of learning.

Education has grown and expanded with the times. Children are learning more and more things earlier and earlier to keep up with the vast expanse of information needed to make it in this world. Our teachers and schools are a critical part of us helping our children grow and flourish. What they share with us is very important. As parents, we need to take this partnership very seriously and give it respectful consideration.

The following quotes are from a group of central Arkansas teachers who work with a variety of age groups. They’ve shared tips and tidbits they’d like us parents to really take to heart in order to help our children and families have a fantastic school year. What these teachers say is as important as reading, writing and arithmetic!

1. Take time to really read the information sent home (newsletters, notes, etc.) This keeps communication healthy between parents and teachers.
2. Support your child’s teacher with a positive attitude.
3. Try not to linger around the classroom. Let little ones walk in on their own to encourage independence and resiliency.
4. Use email to contact teachers. Also, talk to teacher first before talking to an administrator. Follow the correct chain of command.
5. Have appropriate bed time routines, so children will be well rested for the school day.
6. Reinforce correct behavior and respect for adults.
7. Remember there are two sides to every story.
8. Attend school events, parent/teacher conferences, and have lunch with your child occasionally.
9. Learn school procedures and rules. Be familiar with curriculum as well.
10. Dads are great volunteers too. Kids love having their dads at school.
11. Help your child be a problemsolver and learn responsibility.
12. Provide good nutrition in lunch boxes.
13. Inform teachers and school officials of trauma in the family or anything with which your child may be dealing that could impact their behavior or school performance.
14. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers questions or ask for help.
15. Remember even older students need guidance and help with study skills, organization, preparation and social situations.
16. Life is a journey. Children need a guide.