“Setting Students up for Success”

Parent Talk SeriesSeptember 2, 2010

AgendaI. Welcome and IntroductionsII. Top Ten Ways to help your student succeed

10. Attendance 9. Organization8. Responsibility 7. Knowledge 6. Homework 5. Collaboration 4. Communication 3. Respect2. Recognize1. Involvement

III. And so we begin… IV. Future Parent Series Events V. Questions

Number 10 - Attendance

I. Encourage regular attendance.

II. Block schedule – missing one day of school is equivalent to two days.

III. Remind your student to get make up work.

IV. Notify the office at (805) 498-3617 if your student is absent.

Number 9 - OrganizationI. Encourage the use of the assignment

notebook. This is a requirement.

II. Have a designated area for homework.

III. Provide students with binders and folders to keep class work separated and organized.

IV. Keep a family calendar at home to track long term projects, school events, activities, etc.

Number 8 - ResponsibilityI. Help students become their

own advocate.

II. Let students make mistakes in order to encourage growth and responsibility.

III. Provide students with opportunities to practice responsibility through chores at home.

Number 7 - KnowledgeI. Check Sequoia’s website and

calendar on a regular basis for detailed information about school events and activities.

www.sequoiamiddle.org

II. Check teacher websites and Parent Connect.

III. Check the assignment notebook

daily.

IV. Read and review school and district policies, handbooks, etc.

Number 6 – Homework I. Oversee homework time.

II. Complete homework on day assigned.

III. Encourage students to ask teachers for help with questions.

IV. Provide workspace and routine.

V. Check assignment notebook daily.

VI. Review completed homework with student.

Number 5 – CollaborationI. Team effort – “It takes a

village.”

II. Contact your student’s teacher and school officials with questions and/or concerns.

III. Encourage your student to get

to know teachers, counselors and administrators.

Number 4 – Communication

I. Keep lines of communication open by utilizing email, phone, assignment notebook, and/or appointments.

II. Get to know teachers, counselors, office staff, and administrators.

III. Notify us of big changes happening in your student’s life.

Number 3 – RespectI. Emphasize the importance of

respecting household and school rules.

II. “Take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of this place.”

Number 2 – RecognizeI. Recognize your student’s

academic effort, citizenship, work habits and extracurricular achievements.

II. Attend award ceremonies, sports games, performances, etc.

Number 1 – Involvement I. Don’t take “Nothing” for an answer.

II. Show interest in what students are doing – academics, sports, arts, etc. Attend games, performances and award recognitions.

III. Know what students are learning and about their classes. Be involved in their studying.

IV. Know your student’s friends – who they hang out with, and what they are doing.

V. Attend parent meetings

VI. Volunteer at school during the day or with special events

And so we begin… I. RtI: Response to Intervention

II. COTY

III. Sports Tryouts

IV. Odyssey of the Mind

III. Magazine Drive

III. Carnival IV. Progress Reports – October 15th

V. Reflections

Future Parent Talk Events “Motivational Speaker” – Patrick MaurerWednesday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m.

“Cyber bullying and Energy Drinks”Wednesday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m.

“Camfel” – Character Building Wednesday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m.

QuestionsThank you for attending the first Parent

Talk Series of the 2010 – 2011 school year.

Please contact us with any questions.

Vivian Vina, PrincipalJuan Santos, Assistant Principal

Hallie Chambers, Dean of Students