In Front of the Class

by Cara Bafile Education World®

"There are so many standards that teachers have to cover, but they can be taught in the most creative ways," says Constantine Christopulos. "The more fun the project is, the more passionate your students will be. This was one of those great teachable moments that I will remember for life."

Christopulos refers to a reading of the book Frindle by Andrew Clements that prompted an unusual letter-writing campaign among his students at William V. Wright Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada. The second graders were inspired by the character of Nick who creates a word that causes chaos in his town.

"There is a part in the book in which Nick is planning a boycott of the cafeteria food, but he decides not to do it because he doesn't want to cause any more problems," Christopulos told Education World. "I asked the students in my classroom if boycotting the food was a good idea. They replied that it was not. So I then asked them how they could voice their opinion about something they were not happy with. It was very important for me to teach my students that their voice counts, but they need to use their voice in a respectful way."

The resulting discussion brought out a major cafeteria issue for the students -- the green beans. Apparently, they were less than impressed with the quality and frequency of this particular vegetable offering. The kids wrote friendly letters that had to state their concern, give a compliment, and provide alternate suggestions. Those notes were forwarded to the head of the school cafeteria, who passed them along to the dietitian.

"I was very impressed with my students," Christopulos shared. "They were so passionate about writing those letters. They all remembered how to set up a friendly letter, and their wording was really impressive. Some of my students wanted to see lobster, chicken cordon blue, and filet mignon on the menu!"

The second graders were invited to attend a taste testing in the cafeteria and provide feedback about different vegetable dishes that were canned, frozen, cooked, or served raw. Much to their chagrin, the green beans weren't able to be replaced due to budget constraints, but Christopulos and his students report that they do taste better this year.

Copyright © 2008, EducationWorld.com, used by permission

Full-Day Kindergarten

NEA Teacher Quality and Research Departments are providing this online venue highlighting professional research on best practices in educational issues.

What is full-day kindergarten?
The term "full-day kindergarten" refers to a kindergarten program in which a child attends school every weekday for at least six hours per day. Some research shows that many children benefit academically from participation in full-day kindergarten and are more likely to be ready for first grade than children in half-day kindergarten programs (Clark, 2005). Full-day kindergarten programs are especially beneficial to children from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds (Pennsylvania Partnership for Children, 2006).

Who wants it?
The demand for full-day kindergarten has increased over the past few years for several reasons: the increase in single-parent families, the increase in the number of families with both parents working, and the fact that most children have experience with full-day preschool or child care programs. Researchers have found that parents favor a full-day program that gives children and teachers the opportunity to focus on a topic for an extended period of time (Hildebrand, 2005).

Who doesn't want it?
Opponents to implementing full-day kindergarten have expressed some concerns. Some worry about subjecting young children to an overly demanding curriculum. Others worry that by being in school for more hours, children will lose important time for play and exploration. Opponents also contend that full-day kindergarten efforts compete for funds with other initiatives, such as preschool and daycare.

What's good about full-day kindergarten?
Teachers and parents note that children who participate in full-day kindergarten have more time to discover a relaxed pace, more opportunities to choose activities and develop their own interests, and more time for creative activities. The longer school day allows children and teachers time to explore topics in depth and it helps teachers provide an environment that supports a child-centered, developmentally appropriate approach. Moreover, teachers and school staff have opportunities to recognize a child’s learning style, assess progress, and identify problems or behavioral issues. This allows more timely intervention and the potential to reduce costs associated with remedial education and special education costs in later school years (Clark, 2005).

Below are the references cited above and some additional related articles and research on full-day kindergarten:

» Clark, P. (2005). Recent research on all-day kindergarten. ERIC Digest. Champaign, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

» Pennsylvania Partnership for Children. (2000).  Learning to learn: Full-day kindergarten for at-risk kids. (Revised October 2006, but not available online). Harrisburg, PA: Author.

» Hildebrand, C. (2005). Effects of all-day and half-day kindergarten programming on reading, writing, math, and classroom social behaviors. National FORUM of Applied Educational Research Journal, Volume 13E, No.3. Lake Charles, LA: The College of Education and Human Development, University of Louisiana at Monroe.

» NWREL. (2002). In Context: Issues Surrounding Full-day Kindergarten. In communities considering full-day kindergarten, three main issues commonly surface: content, school readiness, and cost. 

» Education Commission of the States. (2004). Full-day Kindergarten Programs Improve Chances of Academic Success. This research finds that poor and minority students especially can benefit from participation in full-day programs.

» Walston, J. and J. West. (2004). Full-day and Half-day Kindergarten in the United States: Findings from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99. National Center for Education Statistics. This report describes the national trend toward full-day kindergarten. It provides background on schools that offer full-day and half-day kindergarten programs, the children who attend them, and their educational progress. It finds a positive association between full-day kindergarten and achievement in reading and math.

» Education Commission of the States. (2005). Full-Day Kindergarten: A Study of State Policies in the United States. This report provides a state policy overview of full-day kindergarten in the United States. It identifies four key areas where states need to strengthen their full-day kindergarten policies.

See other Teaching Research Spotlights.

See other research information at NEA Research.

Have comments or suggestions? Please contact us.

In Front of the Class

by Ellen R. Delisio Education World®

Many teachers and administrators have started introducing themselves to parents and students before school starts, or right at the opening bell.

More teachers are starting off the school year with letters to parents and students to introduce themselves and set a tone for the year.

The letters are a good way to establish positive communication with parents, several teachers told Education World. "I think it's professional," said Dorothy Peselli, an English teacher at Sparta High School in Sparta, New Jersey. Peselli, who distributes the letters the first day of school, told Education World, "It gives parents an image of you as a professional. If you start communication off in a positive manner, you will have the parents on your side when you need them."

In her letter to parents, Peselli encourages them to call or e-mail her with specific concerns about their children. "I want to work as a team to ensure that your child becomes an independent lifelong learner," Peselli wrote to parents last September. She also telephones the parents of all her students at the beginning of the year.

Peselli includes with the letter a classroom handbook listing policies and procedures. And she requires that both parents and students read and sign statements (included in the letter!) that they read the handbook. The student letter also lists needed supplies and dispenses encouragement. "Please come to class ready to work and learn. This will be an exciting year for all of us," it says.

Last year, Peselli taught at a different high school and she recalled that parents there were "shocked," but appreciative, that she had so much contact with them. "I received roses and a thank you note from one boy and his mother," Peselli said. She wishes her own children's teachers would take the time to write notes as well. "I never got a letter home from any of my daughter's high school teachers," she said. "It would be nice to know the background of some of the people who are teaching my daughter."

Allays Some Fears

An introductory letter outlining the expectations and procedures can help quell some of the nervousness of students and parents, said Max W. Fischer, a seventh grade team leader at Edgewood Middle School in Wooster, Ohio. Two of three seventh grade teams at his school send out letters, he said.

"Our letter is the initial step in reaching out to parents," Fischer told Education World. The letter indicates that maintaining communication about all aspects of a student's life is a team priority.

"A major goal we have is to maintain consistent communication with you regarding your son or daughter's progress and your thoughts on that advancement," according to the letter. "A student's academic competence is naturally a major parental concern. However, we have become aware that many parents are also interested in their children's future, their safety at school, and their ability to develop personal responsibility and a strong work ethic."

Teacher expectations, student responsibilities and team organization are reviewed at an orientation meeting for parents and students. Teachers also call parents two weeks into the school year to see if they have any concerns about their child's adjustment. "It opens the lines of communication," Fischer told Education World. "Parents need to know what's expected and to understand the team approach."

Teachers Like Greetings Too

Some administrators and teachers also put together survival kits for the teaching staff. Dale Maxwell, a fourth grade teacher and testing coordinator at St. Bernard School in Los Angeles, California, said that over the years he has collected several lists for survival kits, from a variety of sources. About three years ago, he and another teacher assembled and passed out survival kits to fellow teachers at a retreat preceding the opening of school.

"I think it is important to establish a positive atmosphere among the staff at the beginning of the year," Maxwell told Education World. "Establishing a positive atmosphere through humor and a sense of sympathetic understanding helps promote a spirit of camaraderie." He also has put together survival kits for parents and students, which are distributed at Back-to-School night.

Making contact early can be valuable throughout the year, added Fischer. "I find it is of great value to have parents on our side and communicate with them," he said. "It does set a tone. They learn the philosophy and what's expected."

Copyright © 2008, EducationWorld.com, used by permission

In Front of the Class

by Linda Starr Education World®

How many times have your students asked "When are we ever going to use this in real life?" You'll find the answer here!

Through the years, and probably through the centuries, teachers have struggled to make math meaningful by providing students with problems and examples demonstrating its applications in everyday life. Now, however, technology makes it possible for students to experience the value of math in daily life, instead of just reading about it. This week, Education World tells you about eight great math sites (plus a few bonus sites) that demonstrate relevance while teaching relevant skills.

Money

Let's begin at the Lemonade Stand, an online version of a classic computer game. At this site, students use $20 dollars in seed money to set up a virtual lemonade stand in a neighbor's yard. Each day, they must decide how many cups of lemonade to prepare, how much money to charge for each cup, and how much to spend on advertising. Their decisions are based on production costs and on the weather forecast -- which isn't always accurate. Students have 25 days to either make a go of the business or go broke. Can they learn enough about the vagaries of business to make a profit? Students of all ages will enjoy the challenge provided by this simple game, which simulates some real business challenges and demonstrates how math fluency can help overcome them.

Older students, especially those with a new or imminent driver's license, will be both fascinated and educated by Calculating a Car Payment. Here, students visit a virtual used-car lot and select a car. Then they use formulas that include complex fractions and large exponents to calculate the monthly payments on their virtual dream car. This is a short lesson, but students may be inspired to use it as a springboard to other automobile-based activities. For example, Online Math Applications' Trips page contains mini-lessons on the costs of leasing, owning, and driving cars. Students can examine such topics as the relationship between the number of stops and the number of possible routes, how to determine the shortest route, and the relationship between speed and braking distance. The site contains formulas and quizzes and provides opportunities for students to create their own quizzes using the math and real life data they've learned.

Your students may not be ready to drive or run their own businesses, but it's never too early for them to begin to save. Several sites can help students get started.

The Mint, a comprehensive site designed for middle- and high-school students, provides lots of financial information and a number of useful tools. In Saving & Investing, students can use a variety of calculators to devise a savings plan, study investment strategies, learn about compound interest, or become millionaires. They learn about the federal deficit and check out the National Debt Clock in The Government, and explore the world of credit cards in Spending. Students can also learn about Making a Budget and discover the relationship between Learning and Earning. The site includes lesson plans and classroom activities, a financial dictionary, quizzes and games, and a little fantasy too. Can students learn enough to earn enough to escape from the planet Knab, where the natives "emit a foul smell and leave a slippery slime trail as they move about"? Only time will tell!

Moneyopolis, a site maintained by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, provides a simple and effective financial planning curriculum for students in grades 6 through 8. In My Money, students learn that the financial planning process is made up of three steps:

• What do you want?
• What do you have?
• How do you get what you want?

Students are guided through the financial planning process -- first with a series of questions to help them identify their own financial goals and then with a printable spreadsheet that helps them identify their spending habits.

The primary feature of the site, however, is the Moneyopolis(SM) game. Kids need to register to play. In Moneyopolis, "a town where money and math smarts are rewarded," students visit seven town centers. To enter each center, they must solve three puzzles, assemble a lock, and open the door. Once inside, students earn money by correctly answering math-related questions and by investing their earnings wisely. They can also spend money -- on luxuries as well as on necessities. At the end of the town tour, students must have saved at least $1,000 while earning three Community Service Medallions. It's real citizenship -- and it's just plain fun. Students may not even notice that it's also math! Just so YOU do, the site also includes a For Teachers section, featuring suggestions for using Moneyopolis as an educational resource, ideas for off-line educational activities, sample lesson plans, and explanations of the correlation of Moneyopolis math problems to NCTM standards. The site promises a future feature that will allow teachers to review scores and statistics for their own students. (Note: Moneyopolis(SM) requires Flash PPC.)

Money Can't Buy You...

Of course, money isn't everything -- in the real world or in math. One of the most complete and self-sufficient math units on the Web is Project SkyMath: Making Mathematical Connections -- Using the Science and Language of Patterns to Explore the Weather. This multidisciplinary curriculum for middle-school students uses real-time weather data as a basis for hands-on math activities. Originally developed as an inter-school activity, in which teams of students exchanged data via e-mail, the unit is now available for independent use by all teachers and their students.

The project's 16 lessons involve data analysis, number relationships and graphing, patterns and functions, statistics, and measurement. Students access real weather data, learn about the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales, and find out how to convert from one scale to another. They study the history of weather prediction, develop symbol sets, prepare graphs, predict changes, solve problems, and discover rules. In a geography link, students locate different geographic areas and determine temperature variations.

Language arts activities include preparing and presenting the work. The unit includes BLMs, assessment tools, and almost anything else you could possibly need. It even adjusts the curriculum for teachers without Internet connections. This unit will keep your students busy and engrossed for weeks! (Note: Some parts of the online unit require Acrobat Reader.)

Ciese Classroom Projects is another great site with a variety of real-world math problems. Maintained by the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education, the site includes elementary-, middle-, and higher-level projects -- most of which are appropriate for students of all ages. For example, in Down the Drain: Water Use Survey, an elementary activity, students chart their own water use, compare it to that of students around the world, and answer questions about what they've learned. A middle-school project, Human Genetics: A Worldwide Search for the Dominant Trait, has students analyze the number of dominant and recessive genetic traits in their own families to determine which are controlled by dominant genes.

If none of these activities pique your interest, however, you might use one of the following sites to create your own:

• U.S. POPClock Projection
• Statistics in Sports
• Numbers in Search of a Problem

Additional Resources

• Online Math Applications
  This ThinkQuest Junior site includes discussions, questions, and quizzes to help students link math to music, history, science, travel, and investing.
   
• Math in Daily Life
  From the Annenberg/CPB Project Exhibits Collection, the site discusses how math applies to daily life, with sections on gambling odds, buying and leasing cars, population growth, decorating, and cooking. Most sections include hands-on activities.
   
• Merrill Lynch Investing in Youth Resources and Tools
  Money-managing activities for children, parents, and teachers.
   
• Real World Mathematics
  Examples of mathematics in the real world.

Copyright © 2008, EducationWorld.com, used by permission

In Front of the Class

by Linda Starr Education World®

Will open house be before school opens or sometime after students arrive? How about holding an ice cream social? A scavenger hunt for new students? A meet-the-principal lunch?

Used to be that open house night was held a few weeks into the school year. That special event was most parents' single opportunity to connect with their children's teachers. But today's school leaders understand that a strong home-school connection can have a direct impact on student achievement, so they have created many new and fun ways to forge a strong relationship between parents and teachers during the opening weeks of the new school year.

Some schools have moved open house to the week before school begins; then a separate back-to-school night is held during the first weeks of school. Back-to-school letters offer teachers an opportunity to ease students' jitters about the year ahead and to share their plans with parents. Welcome-back packets present practical information and news of ways parents can get more involved. Then there are scavenger hunts, trinkets, hot dog roasts, PowerPoint slide shows...

Members of Education World's "Principal Files" team recently took time to share the wide variety of ways in which they greet parents and welcome students during August and September in hopes of building a bond that will last the whole year through.

Even Before School Begins

It seems, if our P-Files team is an indicator, that the majority of schools start building bridges to parents and students long before the first day of school.

At Scott Johnson Elementary School in Huntsville, Texas, students and parents have an opportunity to meet teachers the day before school officially begins. An "open house" provides this opportunity to become a little familiar with the daily routine, said principal Beth Burt.

Further to the east, at Doctor's Inlet Elementary School in Middleburg, Florida, a local church organizes a special hot-dog social for new parents and students. The event, held several days before the start of school, provides new parents an opportunity to meet their child's teacher, tour the school, and be entertained by the church choir, principal Larry Davis told Education World. Then, the day before school starts, an orientation is held for all parents.

"We send out postcards a few days prior to the orientation," Davis explained. The postcards announce which teacher students will have and describe the orientation, which is open to students and parents. At the orientation, student patrols greet visitors and provide maps to the classrooms. "This is all very informal -- just a chance to say hello to the teacher," Davis added. A follow-up open house is scheduled for a couple of weeks later.

A hot dog roast is also on the day-before-school-starts agenda at Clinton (Michigan) Elementary School. The school's PTO sponsors the roast, said principal Marcia Wright. "In the past we have also run a scavenger hunt for new students," Wright continued. "Each child got a sheet with questions on it. They were teamed with veteran students who assisted them in finding things or locations around the school. At each destination, the new student got a signature from the staff person in charge of the area. The student also received a little prize such as a ruler, stickers, or pencils.

"The scavenger hunt was a fun way for new students to tour the school."

At South Anna Elementary School in Montpelier, Virginia, principal Doug Fiore and his staff hold an open house during the week before the start of school. "This is a non-structured, free exchange between families and staff members," Fiore explained. "We include students so they meet their teacher for the first time with their parents by their side." The PTA sets up tables so families can sign up for committees and purchase school spirit wear, Fiore added. A back-to-school night will be held about three weeks after school begins; that is the time when teachers present an overview of the year and their expectations.

During the summer months, as new families register students at Avery Elementary School in Webster Groves, Missouri, principal Lolli Haws takes time to give each student and family a personal tour of the school. "The tour gives kids a feel for the building, and parents hear about programs and get a sense of the school," Haws told Education World. "If I'm busy or out when new families register, the secretary sets up a time for them to return for a tour."

Then, two days before the start of school, a meet-the-teacher ice cream social is held on the front lawn of Avery Elementary. Teachers have their rooms ready, said Haws. This is a chance for students, parents, and teachers to meet face-to-face. Kids find their classrooms and even see their desks. "It's a very popular event," explained Haws. "It also helps keep curious and anxious kids and parents from dropping by at the school all during August. It gives teachers time to prepare their classrooms without the interruptions caused when kids and parents show up one by one."

At Weatherly Heights Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama, a school-wide open house is set for the day before school opens; the open house gives students and parents a chance to meet the teacher. Students can bring in their school supplies and put them in their desks. That helps relieve some anxiety, and it helps students settle right in on the first day of school, said principal Teri Stokes. "The library, computer lab, and science lab are open too," added Stokes, "and the physical education department and school counselor are available."

An orientation for new students is held about a week before school begins at Gonic Elementary School in Rochester, New Hampshire. "We offer tours of the school," said principal Martha Wingate. "Representatives of our very active PTA meet and greet parents and answer questions from a parent's perspective. Curriculum materials are available for review. Refreshments are provided, and each student receives a Gonic Eagle pencil."

At Cedar Heights Junior High School in Port Orchard, Washington, connections with parents are forged months before school begins. "Parents begin receiving copies of our monthly newsletter in March," said principal Patricia Green. "In May, parents and students are invited to a so-this-is-junior-high night. Lots of questions are answered at that time.

"Finally," Green continued, "on the day before school starts, students in the year's incoming class are invited in for a half-day to meet their classmates and teachers, learn to navigate their new school, and generally become more comfortable with the environment that will be their home for the next three years."

Principal Marie Kostick conducts a new-student orientation during the weeks before school starts at Goodwyn Junior High School in Montgomery, Alabama. "This event is a huge success," said Kostick. "We send out flyers a couple weeks before the event, which provides parents an opportunity to purchase school uniforms and supplies and to become familiar with our school's expectations. We discuss first-day procedures, lockers, physical education clothing, attendance, and general school rules." In addition, at the orientation

• the athletics department gives an overview of their activities and how students can participate in them;
• guidance gives an overview of its program;
• Student Council members welcome new arrivals;
• cheerleaders perform for the crowd and get them excited about football season; and
• the parent organization (PTSA) welcomes new parents and recruits parents for upcoming events.

In Port Orange, Florida, at Silver Sands Middle School, principal Les Potter greets new sixth graders to the school for an event called WEB, short for Welcome, EveryBody. The event -- which is held from 8:30 to noon several days before the beginning of school -- involves the school guidance counselors, teachers, and some eighth-grade students at the school. The new students already visited school the previous spring, said Potter, "but we find the WEB program to be much more effective in introducing the students to the school.

"The event," Potter explained, "gives sixth graders -- who are entering Silver Sands from eight feeder schools -- a chance to bond with one another, learn about the nuances of middle school, connect with some upperclassmen, take campus tours, and learn about clubs and activity offerings. It also gives teachers, counselors, and kids a chance to talk about things such as peer pressure, making friends, and good study habits."

At North Canton Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, "we have a student-parent night for all new students two evenings before school begins," principal Tony Pallija told Education World. "We broadcast information about the event on our Web site, but we also send a special invitation to all new students and parents."

Principals and counselors are available at the orientation so parents and students can tour the building and ask questions. "It makes for a long day, but it is well worth the time to make new parents and students feel comfortable," added Pallija.

Letters & Web Site Announcements Too

Letters and Web sites serve as simple and friendly platforms for reaching out to build home-school connections in the days before the first bell rings. Larry Davis uses both of those tools at Doctor's Inlet Elementary School. Parents receive letters from the school's parent organization and the school. The school's Web site also carries welcoming information and continuous updates about upcoming events.

Principal Lolli Haws sends a personal letter to each child during the first week of August. The letter tells who the child's new teacher will be. "I write the letter in a newsy, personal way," explained Haws. "The letter tells about changes around the building, what new things students might expect to see, and, of course, I use the letter to give the old push to start reading, writing, and reviewing math facts.

"Students look forward to the letter," Haws said. "The letter is personally addressed to them. That way, it starts to build excitement about going back to school.

"In that letter, I also ask parents to write a letter to their child's teacher," she added. "That gives parents a chance to tell their child's new teacher everything they want him or her to know; they should feel confident that the teacher will read that letter and 'know' their child when school starts. It helps anxious parents feel better, which always helps the kids be less anxious and more excited about a new year."

At Cedar Heights Junior High, teachers send welcoming letters to each of their students. In those letters, teachers explain the focus of their classes and their behavior expectations, said Patricia Green.

The Web site for South Anna Elementary includes a slide presentation of highlights from the previous school year, said principal Doug Fiore.

The Web site for Alexandria (Louisiana) Magnet Middle School for Math and Science shares an up-to-date agenda for the upcoming school sessions and includes information about supplies students should have, orientation dates, open house, and new employees. "It's like a newsletter, only it's on the Web," said principal Marguerite McNeely.

Making Opening Day a Special Day

On the first day of school at Gonic Elementary, students and parents mingle on the playgrounds. Friends gather and parents run around with cameras snapping pictures. Student council members carry around big signs; each sign has a teacher's name and grade printed on it. "We end up having quite a parade," said principal Martha Wingate. "We gather the lines and proceed to our multi-purpose room for a short welcoming assembly." When students head off to their classes, parents are invited to join in a coffee hour in the library.

While the coffee hour is going on, Wingate wanders through the classrooms of the youngest students. "That way, I can accurately report to parents that all is well and no one is crying," she said. "That really seems to help reduce stress levels."

On the first day, teachers at Gonic send home a welcome-back gift from the PTA. The gift -- a magnet with the school calendar on it, a Gonic Eagle keychain, or something similar -- is included in a packet that has the school handbook, emergency forms, and lots of other information.

The first day of school at Gunther School in North Bellmore, New York, is a special and busy one for principal Larry Anderson. "I work with the PTA as they host a welcome-back tea," Anderson told Education World. This is an informal gathering at which Anderson provides an overview of new developments at the school -- new staff, new curriculum initiatives, facility upgrades, and new programs and resources. Parents have a chance to ask questions about school procedures, routines, and policies.

"Typically, 50 to 100 parents show up," Anderson noted. "It's mostly an opportunity to meet new families and a chance for 'old-timers' to catch up, and the PTA uses the occasion to recruit parents for various committees and activities."

On Day Two and Beyond

On the days after the first day of school, parents of students at South Anna Elementary are likely to see principal Doug Fiore riding the school bus. "That is important," said Fiore, "because our school takes in a large area. I ride each bus once during the first month of school. I get to see where students live, and doing this gives families an opportunity to see me in their neighborhoods."

During the first two weeks of school, principal Marcia Wright sets aside time to have a meet-the-principal lunch with all the new students at Clinton Elementary School. "That is a nice way to get to know the kids who are new," Wright told Education World. "The school counselor attends that lunch with me. We have a state map on the wall so the kids can point out where they moved from; if they moved from out of state we find the location on a U.S. map."

Four days into the new school year, the staff and families of Harriet Gifford Elementary School in Elgin, Illinois, gather for a back-to-school family picnic and open house. The picnic is co-sponsored by two local business partners. Families enjoy grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and roasted corn. During the event, time is set aside so children can take their parents to their classrooms to meet their teachers.

"Last year, more than 400 people attended the event," principal Joe Corcoran told Education World.

On the second day of school at Avery Elementary, principal Lolli Haws, the school counselor, and the PTO hold a reception and orientation for parents new to the school. "This gives parents a chance to know what to expect, hear about our school's goals, and get those questions answered that new parents always seem to have." During the second week of school, an open house is held so parents and teachers can talk about curriculum, homework expectations, processes, and practices. Finally, added Haws, at the end of September, the PTO's huge Fall Festival is attended by hundreds of community and family members.

On open house night at Alexandria Middle Magnet School, the staff presents special lessons that illustrate technology applications or special training they have completed, said Marguerite McNeely.

More Welcoming Touches

One of the best welcoming ideas principal Betty Peltier has seen comes from a veteran teacher on her staff at Southdown Elementary School in Houma, Louisiana. "She takes time to call every student's parent after the first days of school," said Peltier. "She simply introduces herself and emphasizes that she wants the parents to feel free to call her at any time. She also makes sure to say something very nice about each student.

"True, it takes her some time to make the calls, but she feels it is time very well spent," said Peltier, adding, "Would you be surprised if I told you she has all the parents on her side for the rest of the year?"

Special back-to-school events are one way to make parents feel welcome, but it is very important that the school have a welcoming atmosphere every day of the school year, added Doug Fiore. The entrance to South Anna Elementary has benches for people to sit on, cheerful student artwork on display, a big welcome banner, and a friendly office staff. "These are all things that help create an atmosphere that says we're glad to have visitors and volunteers."

Each year, the teachers at Weatherly Heights Elementary provide something special to liven up the hallways in their school. "Everybody on the staff has an information sheet or some special writing that appears with their picture. We make these poster size," said Teri Stokes. This year, Avery Elementary is celebrating its 40th birthday so each teacher wrote a short piece to share "What I was doing 40 years ago" or, in the case of young staff members, "What I plan to be doing 40 years from now." Lots of children and visitors pause to read the posters.

And don't forget to have a special welcome for new staff members, reminds Patricia Green. "I do a special summer mailing to new staff," said Green. "That mailing includes answers to commonly asked questions -- What are the school colors? Is there a TV/VCR in my classroom? How do I make copies? How do I access e-mail at school? -- and tips about some of the most important things for them to consider before the first day of school.

"And remember to welcome back your 'old-timers' to a new school year with some little bits of sunshine for their classrooms," she added. "They also need motivators and re-enforcers for the busy year ahead of them."

Copyright © 2008, EducationWorld.com, used by permission