Jenda Nye, public information specialist & webmaster, Cache County School District

  1. Create a partnership with your child’s teachers. Take advantage of opportunities like back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences, and classroom events to get to know your child’s teacher. A good relationship and regular communication will make it easier for both of you to share concerns and celebrate successes.
  2. Visit your school’s website often. The school’s website is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening at your child’s school. You’ll find school schedules, upcoming events, staff contact information, curriculum and program details, recent news stories, and school/district policies. There are also links to PowerSchool (CCSD’s parent-student portal), SchoolPay, and other school and district resources.
  3. Start each school day off right. Send your child to school equipped with a good night’s rest and a nutritious breakfast. Experts suggest that during their elementary and early middle school years, children should get nine to 11 hours of sleep each night. Sufficient sleep helps students to be alert and ready to learn. Likewise, a healthy breakfast will boost your child’s attention span, concentration, and memory.
  4. Take attendance seriously. It’s important that students arrive at school on time every day, ready to learn. Late arrivals are disruptive and can affect everyone in the classroom. Excessive tardies and absences can result in missed class work and homework, which can be stressful and interfere with a child’s learning. When a child is very sick and needs to miss several days, reach out to his or her teacher and let them know. Ask if you can pick up missed work and homework to help your child stay caught up.
  5. Help your child develop good study habits. At the beginning of the school year, take some time to discuss and set homework expectations with your child. Support their efforts by helping them create an effective study environment (a well-lit, quiet, and comfortable workspace with all the necessary supplies). Encourage your child to put away distractions until after their homework has been completed. Make yourself available to offer guidance or review your child’s finished work.
  6. Find ways to get involved. Kids do better in school when parents are invested in their education. There are many ways to contribute: Volunteer in your child’s classroom, attend or help organize school events, serve on the PTA, or join your school’s community council. Getting involved allows you to make an impact in the areas which are most important to you and your family, as well as to strengthen relationships with school administration, staff, and community members.
  7. Talk to your child about school. Check in regularly with your child about what’s going on at school. Try asking questions like, “What was fun?”, “What was the hardest part of your day?”, “What did you learn today?” Then, listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you talk. Most importantly, demonstrate to your child that you care and are anxious to support them in their studies and success.