Mr. J. Barthelme

Principal

Do Parents/Guardians Have An Impact On Their Childs Education?

Educators continue to try new methods of teaching, implementing technology into the classroom, and offering a variety of courses and activities, but parents/guardians continue to have the greatest impact on the outcome of a child's education.

Children are affected by their parents’/guardians' opinions of school. If a parent/guardian had a negative experience in school and it is shared with his or her child, or if the child hears a parent/guardian speak about school in a negative way, it often influences the child in a negative way. Conversely, if a parent/guardian is enthusiastic about school and values school, it has a positive effect on the child.

Every school year is a new beginning.  Help your child to be connected to school.  Please encourage her/him to be involved in school activities beyond the school day.  As a parent/guardian take part in school activities that include the family.  Call to be put on a list of parent/guardian volunteers.  Come to watch school events with your children.  Your child does not have to be on a team, in a play, or perform in concerts to be involved in school.  The more you are involved the more your child will be involved. 

Help your child to have a routine.  Look over homework together.  Decide together when and where they will do homework.  Set daily, weekly, and annual academic and personnel goals together.  Establish consequences for not meeting goals.  Make sure that the consequences are reasonable and that you can both follow through on the consequences.  In doing these you teach them to be more responsible and show that you care.

Maryvale Middle School has a lot to offer its students.  We have many clubs, sports, and performing opportunities in addition to an excellent education.  Our focus is on the whole child and teaching them to be responsible, caring, and respectful.  While we offer a terrific opportunity for children, parents have the greatest influence on their children.  A child’s support team consists of the child, her/his parents/guardians, and the school.  Each member must be strong if a child is to succeed. 

Education directly relates to a child's future employment opportunities, as well as helping them to be a well-rounded individual. I ask that we all work together in the interest of helping our children to succeed in having a positive view of education.