A related topic of interest to parents is how to help the children act according to the values we're teaching and still feel that they are liked by their peers.  The children need guidance as to how to determine the appropriate way to report problematic behavior by their classmates without being socially punished for it.  We asked parents to urge their children to tell an adult if someone is bothering them, as well as if they observe or learn about something that puts another student in danger, either physically or emotionally.

 

Parents also wondered when it is appropriate for them to involve the school in interactions that take place outside of school. We told parents that we believe it is important for parents to notify us so that we can decide whether, how, and when to intervene. Often events that take place on weekends or in the evening involve several students in the grade, and relational issues are likely to spill over into school. We want to make sure to take advantage of our ability to address concerns with the entire group when appropriate.

 

We also explained the role of the Middle School social worker and grade deans. While the Middle School social worker does not go into classes as frequently, she does meet and get to know each child.  She has a very nice and inviting office and students feel very comfortable going in to speak with her or just hang out.  Beginning in sixth grade, students also have grade deans who serve as their homeroom teachers. The sixth grade has two primary teachers, which eases the transition from Elementary School.

 

Mrs. Zippy Portman joined for the second half of the meeting and answered some questions from parents about how homework assignments are recorded in fifth grade.   Mrs. Portman explained that many students are not writing the assignments in their planners, so we have a Googledoc online which teachers update daily.  This was not working for some students, so the teachers have now added a weekly sheet in the pocket of their homework folder on which students can circle the word "math" or whichever subject they have homework in, thereby giving them a quick way to remind themselves of what they need to do. Each student is able to decide which homework assignment recording strategy works best for them.