I still contend that this year is the year that I found the most involved parents for a classroom of children. For nearly 30 years, I have heard about parents not being interested in their children's education. I've heard teachers complain about parents being disconnected. I haven't always found that to be true. In fact, we may only need to look in the right places to see that parents really do care.
On one hand, we can see parents trying to juggle income to support their children's bad habits of eating, wearing clothes, and sleeping under a roof. On the other hand, they make attempts to help their kids with homework that they may or may not be understand. On the third hand, they send them to school every day and pick them up at the end. Parents do not have to volunteer in the school building in order to be involved.
This year, I had more parents interested in hosting our holiday parties than ever before. We've often had parents show up to help - or even just to stand around - with parties, but this year, we had highly prepared and engaging parties at every turn. This year, we saw our best homework return rate of all time, with 90 to 100 percent of homework returned each week. This year, I saw greater positive communications with parents than during previous years, mostly attributed to ClassDojo's messaging and sharing component.
I can't say enough about my appreciation for being on the same team with this great group of 2016/7 parents. I am humbled by the kind notes from parents on the last day of school - another indication that they were paying attention. While I accept their gratitude, I can only hope to reach some of the high words in their wonderful expressions (shared below).
On one hand, we can see parents trying to juggle income to support their children's bad habits of eating, wearing clothes, and sleeping under a roof. On the other hand, they make attempts to help their kids with homework that they may or may not be understand. On the third hand, they send them to school every day and pick them up at the end. Parents do not have to volunteer in the school building in order to be involved.
This year, I had more parents interested in hosting our holiday parties than ever before. We've often had parents show up to help - or even just to stand around - with parties, but this year, we had highly prepared and engaging parties at every turn. This year, we saw our best homework return rate of all time, with 90 to 100 percent of homework returned each week. This year, I saw greater positive communications with parents than during previous years, mostly attributed to ClassDojo's messaging and sharing component.
I can't say enough about my appreciation for being on the same team with this great group of 2016/7 parents. I am humbled by the kind notes from parents on the last day of school - another indication that they were paying attention. While I accept their gratitude, I can only hope to reach some of the high words in their wonderful expressions (shared below).
Thank you, Mr. H, for a wonderful school year. You have been declared one of [my son's] favorite teachers. Thank you for believing in him and helping with his journey. I will forever be thankful. We will miss you.
Thank you for making [my daughter's] fourth grade experience wonderful.
Thanks so much for everything you did this year for [our grandson]! This has been a memorable year! | Thank you, Mr. Hoggatt, for your dedication to my children and all the other students. |
Thank you for sharing your love of life and learning with [our son]. He has truly enjoyed being in your class. You have taught him more than academics; you have taught him lessons about life. He has always been my most shy and reserved child, so it has been fun to watch him blossom and become more confident and willing to share his thoughts. Thank you for helping him grow. You have been a blessing to [him], and this is a blessing to us.
