Back-to-School Tips
Connect with your child’s counselor. When your child enters middle school, getting to know his/her school counselor can be helpful.Counselors play a unique role in your child’s life and are in a pivotal position within the school community to help.
We are vital members of your child’s educational team and as such can facilitate a dialog between parents, teachers, and students in terms of your student’s abilities, goals, as well as any areas where your child may be experiencing difficulties.
During your meeting or phone call to the school counselor, you can share the concerns and challenges your child faces. As a parent, you know your child’s strengths and needs best. The counselor is positioned to help you understand your child as a student.
Communication is key. The counselor meets with your child’s team of teachers in order to share information and assist your child with any barriers to learning. The counselor also acts as an advocate for your child and at the same time encourages your child to self advocate via communication with teachers and peers.
Counselors also can help you and your child locate resources both within and outside of school which can help with your child’s overall success.This partnership is valuable to your child’s education as well as their preparation in life beyond school.