Notes from Parents Group Meeting - Dec 2, 2004

RHS PARENT GROUP UPDATE
At the Parent Work Night Meeting on December 2, parents and faculty brainstormed at five different tables about solutions to education issues. Efforts have already begun to put these suggestions into practice.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION TABLE:
Parents and teachers discussed forming a policy that may include: teachers notifying parents if students are in danger of failing by missing a given number of assignments, and/or failing a given number of tests, quizzes, etc.; maintaining contact between teachers and parents in different ways, e.g. email, phone, etc. and making all ways of contact accessible on student profiles; orienting new parents and teachers about contact responsibilities.

WELCOME PACKET TABLE:
Every incoming family, whether freshman or transfer, will receive a welcome packet with the following information: a letter welcoming them; a list of frequently asked Q&A; a list of academic resources, such as tutors ; a list of organizational tips for families; a list of activities and sports, with contact information; a sample transcript; bigger and better indoors and outdoors maps, a website site map; a handbook about the school; and most importantly, a daily planner.

Also discussed was scheduling the incoming student/parent orientation in the late spring (instead of the winter) to make the transition from middle school to high school feel more immediate and relevant.

SUPPORT COMMITTEE TABLE:
This committee will set up a parent-to-parent (and teacher-to-parent) support network for families struggling with a wide range of issues, such as under-achiever needs, gifted & talented needs, substance abuse, peer pressure, financial aid, mental and physical development, etc. They discussed having 90-minute breakfast or supper meetings to accommodate parents’ work schedules. Activities may include sharing print and internet resources, sharing behavior solutions, working with professionals at the school.

STATISTICS TABLE:
This table discussed the different kinds of statistics needed for the RHS community to study and solve problems. For example, how many (????? I need help here, guys!) These stats will also help the school apply for grants to improve the education at RHS. Mr. Gerritt has ordered a new software program to gather helpful stats.

WEBSITE TABLE:
The RHS Parent Group website is officially under construction. Among the helpful information it will provide are: frequently asked Q&A, a glossary of terms used often by staff, faculty and the RHS community at large, down-loadable forms, links to academic and social resources, news, etc. The address is: www.rhsparents.com

All parents belong to the RHS Parent Group—no dues, no fund-raising, no boring meetings. Just solutions to make RHS the best place for our kids. If you’re not on the email or snail mail member list, please call Kate Cocco at 871-8277.