I think the major role I play for kids is to be an advocate for them, whether it is with their teacher, or with their parent, or with a community organization that may be working with them. I want them to always know that I want be a partner in doing the very best that can be done for that kid. Kingswood has established a parent talent search to identify parents' strengths as a school resource, and Kids in Service, where every grade level completes a community service project each year. The school has the Commit One program where parents are asked to commit one hour, chaperone one field trip, support one learning experience. One group of parents is called Technology Angels because of their commitment to provide hardware and software for every classroom.
Some parents jump right in and do more than their part.
They do their part at home and they do their part at school. And then there are others who need to be encouraged a little more. Certainly one way to do that is to keep them actively engaged by providing the opportunity. Kingswood has monthly grade team meetings, a quarterly celebration of success, and kudos cards from parents and colleagues to teachers and staff. I absolutely love the can-do attitude that every child can and will achieve and that people really believe that here.