1. Helping Your Child Succeed in School “Showing our children that we both value education and use it in our daily lives provides them with powerful models and contributes greatly to their success in school.”

2. Part 1: Working with Your Child

3. Communicate With Your Child Find times and places to have conversations about school, teachers, and assignments Demonstrate how to be a good listener Seize “teachable moments” and discuss how they relate to what is happening in school

4. Monitor Homework “Let your child know that you think education is important and so homework has to be done.” Have a special place for your child to study Set a regular time for homework Remove distractions such as TV, telephone, or other children Reinforce the importance of completing quality assignments

5. Encourage Reading And Library Usage “Helping your child become a reader is the single most important thing that you can do to help the child to succeed in school-and in life.” Include a variety of appropriate reading materials in your home Show that you value reading by establishing a designated reading time and support the Hillcrest 25 Book Standard Request help for your child if you notice a difficulty in reading Visit your local library and obtain a public library card for you and your child Participate in special programs offered by the public library Use the computers available at the public library

6. Monitor Media Usage Limit the time that your child watches TV, plays video games, and spends online Model good viewing and playing habits Spend time online with your child Help your child to locate appropriate Internet Web sites Teach Internet safety Learn the computer if you are unfamiliar with it

7. Build Responsibility and Independence Five Habits of Responsible Parents: Establish rules and assign consequences Assign reasonable, consistent jobs to do around the house Encourage your child to be responsible for getting ready to go to school each day Encourage your child to make a plan for how to complete large assignments and projects Discuss making responsible behavior-related choices Provide specific feedback that will help your child move forward

8. Build Responsibility and Independence Seven Habits of Responsible Students: Set goals Plan and organize time Study every day Take notes in class Be prepared with the proper tools Keep commitments Prepare ahead of time

9. Help With Test Taking Classroom Tests Help your child avoid test anxiety: Plan ahead and know what the test will cover Don’t cram – Study over a period of a few nights Read directions and entire test carefully before beginning Skip unknown questions and return to them later Answer every question and double-check work

10. Help With Test Taking Classroom Tests After the test: Discuss concepts your child felt unsure about Encourage them to review those concepts Do not over-emphasize one single test Encourage your child to do his best on the next assessment by studying well in advance of the tests

11. Help With Test Taking Standardized Tests Discuss with your child the importance of standardized tests (PSSA & COGAT) Have your child get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a healthy breakfast Encourage your child to do his best

12. Part 2: Working with Teachers and Schools

13. Communicate With Teachers And Schools Attend Summer Visitation, Open House, and special programs Participate in PTA meetings and activities Read all home-school communications Schedule conferences as needed Participate in Family Access

14. Communicate With Teachers And Schools Contact your child’s teacher first with any questions or concerns Communicate through notes, agenda book, phone calls, e-mail Look at your child’s agenda book regularly and discuss with your child any unusual or long- term assignments or projects Get to know your child’s guidance counselor

15. Conclusion “As our children’s first and most important teacher, it’s important that all parents build and keep strong ties to our children’s schools. When parents and families are involved in their children’s schools, the children do better and have better feelings about going to school.”