Bulletin Board (Dana Middle School)

2011/2012 PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

This handbook provides important resources and information for all District students and parents/guardians attending the Los Angeles Unified School District.

PARENTS PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO READ!

PARENTS PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO READ!

Parents please encourage your child to read every night for 30 minutes after they finish their homework! "The more they read the more they will succeed!"

If your child needs a book to read, please motivate him or her to stop by the school library. Our school library is full of fun and interesting books. Our librarian and library staff have been hard at work replacing old books with current best sellers.

How can you encourage your child, whether a beginning reader or a reluctant reader, to read children's books on a regular basis? Here are some ideas that may help.

Here's How

Make a habit of reading to your child every day.
Get a library card for your child. Go to the library every week and take out several books.
Be aware of your child's interests and direct your child to related books.
Try to find a series that she really likes and will want to continue reading.
Provide a comfortable reading area, with good lighting, in your home.
Discuss books with your child.
Buy books for your child that is related to his/her special interests.
If your child is a reluctant reader and not reading on grade level, buy hi/lo books (books with a high interest level, low vocabulary).
Talk to your child's teacher and ask for suggestions.
If your child likes incentives and the computer, enroll in an online book group.
If your child really enjoys a particular author, check with your librarian about other authors or books she might enjoy.
Children also often enjoy the opportunity to read children's magazines.
You can use movies or computer games to your advantage. Encourage your child to read the book or story a movie was based on, or other similar books.

READ TO SUCCEED!

TRANSITIONING INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL

The transition into middle level schools is accomplished by intellectual, moral, social, emotional, and physical changes taking place in at least part of the transition group at any given time. Students making the transition into middle level schools need to receive assistance prior to, during, and after the move so that their social, psychological, and academic well-being is not compromised.

Check out the California Education’s web site on “Ensuring Success and Closing the Achievement Gap for All of California's Middle Grades Student”.

http://pubs.cde.ca.gov/tcsii/ch6/chp6transitions.aspx

MORE SUCCESSFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS

Please read to find out some important information and tips for Dana parents.

SUCCESSFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS

During elementary school, most parents are very involved in their child's schooling. Parents know teachers and administrators, are aware of their child's progress and behavior, help solve problems, and make sure their child spends enough time on homework. Unfortunately, some parents stop being as actively involved when children enter middle school. Yet, this is a period of time parent’s help and support are greatly needed.

Advice for parents of pre-teens:

1. Help your child manage homework time. Use your child’s school planner as an effective tool. The planner allows parents to review assigned homework, ensure proper time management, and is an excellent way for individual teachers and parents to communicate.

2. Show interest in your child’s studies. Parents should talk to their child daily about school. Don’t take “nothing” as an answer—ask specific questions to encourage more detailed answers. Ask if they need any assistance. Talking to your child about school shows you genuinely care about their academics.

3. Periodically contact counselors, administrators, and teachers. Find out what your child should be learning, how she is progressing, and how you can help. Be an active participant in your child's education.

4. Be sure your child attends school on a regular basis. After a valid absence, make sure your student keeps up with his/her studies. Check to ensure your child has cleared their absence and has received and completed any missed work.

5. Encourage the pursuit of extracurricular activities. This is a healthy way to cultivate friendships, improve skills, and build self-esteem. Be cautious such activities leave adequate time for schoolwork—you must help your child achieve an appropriate balance.

6. Know your child’s friends. It is extremely important know your child’s peers. Follow-up on any suspicions you have, and be aware where your child is at all times. It is better to be safe than sorry at this time in their life.

7. Make it clear following school rules and policies is a must. Teach respectful behavior—with people and property. Discuss and be certain your child is clear about what is right, what is wrong, and how to confront negative temptations. Be clear and consistent with discipline, working with the school on your child's conduct.

8. Attend parent meetings, open houses, parent education groups, and other activities for parents. Check the monthly newsletter, the school website, and school personnel for available activities.

9. Volunteer at school. Both your child and the school will benefit from your indolent and help. Schools solicit volunteers to help in a variety of ways: tutoring, assisting in the media center, giving speeches, helping with activities, chaperoning, and much more.

10. Have regular family meetings. Use family meetings to talk over any concerns or problems family members have. Family meetings help with discipline and responsibility. Regular meetings provide the opportunity to discuss matters openly and calmly in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. They are very effective at reducing conflict among siblings, and promoting positive interaction.

TOLERANCE IS A SIGN OF RESPECT

Respect is about more than being polite or behaving in a certain way. It’s also about tolerance. Tolerant preteens respect people’s differences—they don’t judge them. There are many ways to encourage this. For example:

• Walk the talk. When you respect others’ differences, you are a role model for your child. Do not make ethnic jokes or racial comments. Expect the best from yourself—and your preteen.

• Stand up for what’s right. If someone makes a disrespectful remark about another person, don’t laugh or ignore it. Show disapproval. Your preteen will remember what to do (or don’t do).

• Address stereotypes. Talk about prejudice with your preteen,. Are certain groups picked on at school? Has your child been singled out for any reason? Discuss this problem—and how tolerance makes a difference.

• Learn about cultures. Visit museums. Make a diverse group of friends. Try new ways of doing things, such as cooking or decorating. Read books about different countries.

• Share your history. For example, tell your preteen about immigrant ancestors. Imagine what it was like to arrive in a new country. How could people show respect? Tolerance? Why is this so important?

GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS YEAR'S PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE

Yes, parent-teacher conferences are often brief. But they’re extremely important, too. To get the most from a meeting with your preteen’s teacher:

• Write down questions. Is there something in particular you need to discuss with your preteen’s teacher? Jot it down ahead of time.

• Be prompt. Arriving late may delay conferences after yours.

• Stay focused. Don’t waste time chatting about things that have nothing to do with school

• Be open-minded. Really listen to what your preteen’s teacher has to say. Her insight matters.

• Control yourself. Keep your emotions in check when talking to the teacher. Remember: The two of you are partners in your preteen’s education.

• Take notes. Don’t assume you’ll remember everything.

HALL PASSES

Please do not let students out of the classroom for the first and last 10 minutes of the class period. Make sure students have a yellow clipboard pass when leaving the room. Hall passes need to be filled out by teachers and have all the correct information.

UPDATE YOUR CHILD'S INFORMATION

Parents, please take the time to call or visit Dana's Attendance Office to update your address and phone numbers in case of an emergency. Many of our students have old or out dated information, which makes it difficult for school officials to locate parents faster and effectively. Please call using any of the following numbers:

310.241.1104
310.241.1110
310.241.1124

Thank you for your cooperation! :)

TIPS FOR THE PARENTS / CONSEJOS PARA PADRES

TIPS FOR THE PARENTS / CONSEJOS PARA PADRES

TIPS FOR THE PARENTS

1. Make sure that your child goes to bed early so that s/he will be rested and ready to learn.

2. Student should prepare their school clothes and supplies the night before in order to be prepared for the next school day.

3. Allow your child ample time in the morning to get prepared to come to school. Develop a morning routine (get dressed, eat, and brush teeth).

4. Have a designated area for things that need to be taken to school such as homework, backpack, books…

CONSEJOS PARA PADRES

1. Asegúrese que su niño/a se acueste temprano para que este bien descansado y listo para aprender.

2. El niño/a debe preparar la ropa y zapatos la noche anterior para estar preparado para el próximo día.

3. Provee suficiente tiempo a su niño/a para prepararse para asistir a la escuela.

4. Tenga una área designada para cosas que se tienen que llevar a la escuela, como tarea, mochilla, libros…