What Are You Dropping Off At School?

Greetings,

Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity and pleasure to visit several middle schools. The last time I was in an elementary school was when I would “pop” in to check on my two precious nephews just to get a feel for how things were going.  If you have read my book you know the importance of parental involvement, and the most important way to ensure this begins with your presence.  I was looking forward to the invitations!

What an experience this was and although I consider myself quite “versed” on being and staying current regarding societies trends, I can’t say I was fully prepared for the awakening I experienced in some of the classrooms I visited which prompts me to ask the question, what are you dropping off at school in the mornings?

Is you child rested?  Is your child clean and groomed?  Is your child prepared with the proper clothing and very basic supplies necessary to successfully get through their day such as pencils, erasers, folders/binders, and the homework the teachers assigned and are expecting?  Do they have lunch or lunch money?  Of equal if not more importance, are they bringing manners with them?  Basic manners such as respect for themselves, respect for every teacher they encounter regardless if they are a regular teacher or substitute teacher?  Are they being taught proper manners and conduct at home?  Are they being taught respect for authority?  Are they being talked to about the proper way to conduct themselves from the hallways to the classroom?

I ask these questions because unfortunately I witnessed far too many instances of the opposite of what I have defined.  I witnessed levels of disrespect for educators unlike what I have ever experienced and the older the students, the worse the behaviors which causes me to question, “what is going on at home?”  Mannerisms, whether good or bad, are shaped at home.

Within seconds I could tell which students were positive leaders within the classroom and those who were not.

The one thing parents cannot afford to do is to allow their child to be on a fast track to academic behavioral issues. “Labels” unfortunately are real, and they often will follow a young child throughout their school years.

I urge you as parents to be aware of your child’s school and classroom conduct and there are only three ways you can be aware. One, by showing up at the school to observe for yourself.  Two, by simply asking your child’s teachers, and three, by asking your child.

When was the last time your gave thought to what you are modeling and teaching your child at home?  When was the last time you had a conversation with your child about how they act during school and in the classroom?  When was the last time you asked your child’s teachers about their conduct?

What are you dropping off at school?

Peace.