Ms. Rona Smith 

Teach by example and explain the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated.

October November

For the month of October, Marlton Peer Mediators completed 12 mediations for students.  The data shows the following:

As you can see from the data, our biggest area of concern was teasing and name calling.  For the month of November let’s commit to watching what we say.  If it doesn’t build another person up or make them feel good about themselves, it’s probably best not said.  “It’s best to be thought of as a fool then to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.”  Thanks to parents to helping us with this endeavor!

Parenting Matters – There will be a free MD PIRC Parenting Matters Conference: Connecting Crayons, Computers, College, and Careers on Saturday, 11/7/09, from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the University of MD, Baltimore County Campus.  Topics include:  school readiness, gang awareness, college planning and readiness, health and healthy living, social cliques and much more.  Families can go to www.mdpirc.org//conference to register.  Free light breakfast, childcare (ages 2 – 5), Youth Track (ages 6 – 14), interpretation, door prizes, lunch will be provided.

September 21, 2009

Set goals with your child for a successful school year!

1.       Explain what a goal is. It’s something your child shoots for-and must work hard to achieve.

2.     Give your child a “goal notebook” in which to record his goals, progress and achievements.

3.       Select one goal and write it down using this simple formula – I will (do) (what) + (when). For ex. I will spell at least eight of the 10 words correctly on my next spelling test.

4.       Make sure the goal is achievable.  Make sure your child has the resources to accomplish their goal.

5.       Celebrate success.  Take pictures.  Have a “victory dinner.”  Tell your child, “See what you can accomplish when you try!”

February 17, 2009

Children are subject to many influences outside their home, but parents have the most lasting influence when it comes to success in school.  Motivation is the key to becoming a successful learner.  Here are some ways you can help motivate your children.

1.       Show interest in your children’s learning.  Inquire about what they are learning in school; ask to see their papers and projects.

2.       Work with your children in setting specific daily goals that are achievable.

3.       Help your children envision and formulate long term goals.

4.       Instill in your children the attitude that achievement is a result of persistence and hard work, not luck and ability.

5.       Show caring and love if your children make mistakes and help them see mistakes as opportunities to grow.

6.       Demonstrate through your words and actions faith in your children’s ability to learn and achieve.

7.       Look for successes in your children’s efforts and acknowledge them.

8.       Model for your children language that conveys positive expectations, such as I can, I will, my goal is, etc.

9.       Stress frequently to your children the importance of learning and education.

January 21, 2009

Listen Up!  Having trouble getting your child’s attention?  Here’s an idea teachers often use in the classroom.  Rather than yelling, talk softly or even whisper.  Chances are your youngster will quiet down to hear what you’re saying. 

“Be the change that you want to see in the world.”  Mahatma Gandhi

November 17, 2008

Children have many different ways to tackle their homework.  Some students begin right after school while other relax and begin their homework later.  Some students like to work with soft music in the background while others want complete silence.  Here are some strategies to help your child find a winning homework routine and be consistent.

When and where?  Try planning a regular time each day when family members do quiet activities.  You’ll help your child focus by limiting distractions.  Set a designated area jut for homework.  For example, homework can be done at the kitchen table while you cook or pay bills.  Or everyone can read in the living room at night while your student works at a desk in their room.

Take a break – Schedule short periods of work to fit your child’s attention span.  If he/she has an hour of homework, complete 30 minutes and take a break.  Tip:  keep track of the break time by setting a kitchen timer to signal the beginning and ending of the break.

First things first – Before starting, help your child put the assignments in order.  Have you noticed that your child gets more done when she does written work first?  If so, complete math worksheets first, then practice spelling words and study science.  Idea.  Suggest that your child prioritize homework from easiest to hardest and tackle the more complicated work first!

Swahili saying: Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning if you use it, increases. 

October 6,2008
The following are safety tips for latchkey children and their parents:

1. House keys:  Should be carried out of sight, either around a child’s neck with the key inside their shirt or attached to their clothing.
2. Coming Home: Walk home from school in groups, use crosswalk and crossing guard.  Enter the house quickly and lock the door immediately.  If a stranger is following, children should go directly to a trusted neighbor’s house or nearby store.
3. Check In: Once home, children should telephone a parent or designated friend.
4. Information:  Children should know phone numbers for their house and for their parents’ workplaces.  They should be told which neighbor they can turn to for help and they should have that neighbor’s number.  They should know the time when a parent will be home.
5. Answering the Phone: Children should tell callers, “My mother or father is busy right now, may I take a message?”  They should never say they’re home alone.
6. Answering the Door:  Use a peephole to see who it is.  Open the door only when it’s someone who a parent has said may visit.  Parents should practice with children by role playing various situations, including when someone delivers a package or asks to use the phone, etc.
7. In an Emergency:  Teach children to identify an emergency, such as a fire, a severe injury or break-in.  Practice dialing 911 by making sure your child knows address, telephone number and description of the emergency calmly. 
   

September 22, 2008

A survey of 100,000 children showed what children want most:

1. Parents who don’t argue in front of them
2. Parents that treat each family member the same.
3. Parents who are honest.
4. Parents who are tolerant of others.
5. Parents who welcome their friends to their home.
6. Parents who build a team spirit with their children.
7. Parents who answer their questions.
8. Parents who give punishment when needed, but not in front of others, especially their friends.
9. Parents who concentrate on the good points instead of the weaknesses.
10. Parents who are consistent.
    

Career Day – Primary parents, grades PreK – 3, are asked to participate in Career Day.  Career day for the primary children will be held on Nov. 14. 
Please notify the school counselor, Ms. Rona Smith, if you are willing to participate. 301-952-7780 or rona.hammondsmith@pgcps.org

September 8, 2008
There are many ways to support your child’s learning and school.  Here are a few ideas:

• Check your child’s homework each night and sign their agenda book.
• Help your child study for assessments in advance.  Quiz your child on information nightly prior to any assessment.
• Spend a few minutes every evening looking over handouts that your child brings home.  Fill out forms and return them the next day.
• Let your child’s teacher know if you can help them out at school or home.
• Make sure teachers know you appreciate their efforts. Occasionally send a thank you note or an email.
• Contact your child’s teacher immediately if you see a problem.  Working together will help your child succeed.
• Attend conferences, parent meetings and school events regularly.

As H. Jackson Brown, Jr., says, “Life doesn’t require that we be the best only that we try our best.”