August 2012 Volume 1, Issue 2
Just for Parents
As summer comes to a close, our August issue of Just for Parents focuses on heading back to school. This issue provides tips for getting organized, ways to get involved in your child’s education, and information about what your child should be learning this year. Prepare for a successful school year by getting off to a good start.

Pam Stewart, Chancellor, Division of Public Schools
Get the new school year off to a great start!
Sharpen your pencils! School-time is fast approaching. Start out right by getting organized.

At Home

  • Establish a daily routine for meals, homework, play time, family time and bedtime.
  • Set up a quiet area for homework.
  • Schedule doctor, dental and eye exams. Make sure your child has the proper vaccinations.
  • Discuss any health, mental or emotional issues with your child's physician.
  • Review school information. Go over conduct guidelines, dress codes and other school rules with your child.
  • Expect good grades and good behavior.
  • Encourage your child to do their best. Be enthusiastic.

At School

  • Visit the school with your child to locate classrooms, lunchroom, media center, lockers, etc.
  • Meet the teacher(s). Find out how they prefer to communicate with parents (email, telephone, notes...).

  • Meet other school professionals and identify those who may be a resource for your child.
  • Review your child's textbooks and talk with them about what's ahead.
  • Make the most of parent-teacher conferences by organizing discussion issues beforehand.

For more information on getting your child off to a successful year, visit the following website: School Family-Back to School Tips

The Bureau of Family & Community Outreach offers a number of services and programs to parents and guardians. Click on a link below to learn more!

Bureau of Family & Community Outreach
(850) 245-0847

 

Visit The Florida Department of Education online: www.fldoe.org

Link to FLDOE's Facebook page  Link to FLDOE's Twitter page Link to FLDOE's YouTube page

Join FDOE's online Parent Community. Sign up today!

FDOE Online Parent Community

 
What should my child be learning this year?
From kindergarten through 12th grade, students must master specific skill sets.

In reading, for example, first graders must be able to ask and answer questions about key details in text. In math, first graders must be able to add and subtract up to the number 20.

The Florida Department of Education currently uses the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards to determine what

skills children must master in each grade level. However, by the year 2014-15, Florida will fully implement the "Common Core State Standards," for all grades. Our next issue of Just for Parents will offer a comprehensive overview of this initiative.

 To find out what skills your child must acquire by the end of this school year, please click here: Success Measures Pathway.

To learn more about national Common Core State Standards please click here: Parents' Guide to Student Success.
How to Choose a Quality Afterschool Program
If you're like many families, one or both parents work full time and simply cannot pick up their child when the school day ends. Consider enrolling your child in an afterschool program.

Afterschool programs offer hands-on, fun, enrichment activities for children during the hours after school.

So how do you choose a quality afterschool program that is right for your child? First, check with your school district to see what programs they offer.

Contact information for your local school district can be found at the following site:

Florida School District Contact Information

Seven characteristics to look for in a quality afterschool program include the following:

  1. Solid programming, with a mission, philosophy, and goals
  2. Qualified administrators and instructors
  3. Good communication and interaction among youth, families and staff
  4. Developmentally appropriate social, recreational, and educational opportunities
  5. Developmentally appropriate environments that enhance safety, and foster health and nutrition
  6. Safe, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor environments
  7. Opportunities for family involvement and partnerships

 If your child attends a Title I school, find out if this school has a free 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) afterschool program. To find a list of 21st CCLC programs, click on the following website:

Florida's 21st Century Community Learning Centers

For more information about quality afterschool programs visit

Florida Afterschool Network

Afterschool Alliance

Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs


Just for Parents
Get Involved
When parents get involved in their children's education, what happens? Research shows that such children are more likely to
  • get higher grades
  • behave better
  • have better social skills
  • adapt well to school.

How do you get involved? Just making sure your child is well-nourished, well-rested, gets to school on time, and has his/her homework completed, goes a long way to ensure success.

What is parent involvement? It can be simple:

  • Ask your child to tell you something they learned that day.
  • Read with your child.
  • Go over homework together.
  • Visit museums, science centers, or historical sites and talk about what you see.

 If you're able to do more, consider the following:
  • Volunteer in your child's classroom (a great way to strengthen your relationship with teachers and classmates).
  • Chaperone a school field trip.
  • Volunteer to be a leader for a school club.
  • Join one of the school's parent groups like the PTA, PTO, or School Advisory Council.

Your school's parent-teacher groups can help you find ways to get involved that fits both your schedule and your interests.

For more information about getting involved in your child's education, click on the links below:

Parental Involvement

Sparkplugs - Parental Involvement Exemplary Practices

Just for Parents
Florida Department of Education • 325 West Gaines Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399