An open letter to our school community

There are hundreds of Google pages referencing studies that specifically look at the benefits of parent involvement with their children’s education. It’s probably obvious to most that providing homework support and promoting good study habits at home is necessary for success, but the parent-school connection is just as essential.  However, this partnership goes beyond the rewards of success. It’s the foundation. Your involvement with school shapes your child’s worldview, enhances self-esteem and promotes healthy values.

Think about the idea that school is an extension of your family, thus creating an overall sense of comfort and well-being for your child. A home away from home of sorts-and you have a key to the door.

A healthy partnership provides opportunities for parents to volunteer and collaborate.  Enrichment opportunities, fundraising, and community conversation is essential, too. Why? Because it sends the message to our children that school matters.  When we develop relationships with their teachers, even if it’s just a quick hello in the hallway from time to time, children feel connected.

Naturally, when Tricia Friedman, MYP/DP English teacher and Community Service Coordinator, asked me to participate in a weekly blog intended to open up a dialogue between teachers and parents, I was intrigued. It’s an opportunity for all of us to connect, share ideas, and promote a healthy school/home family.

In this and upcoming blogs, we invite you to participate in the dialogue by sharing your comments and ideas. When Tricia and I discussed the concept, it became apparent that we are onto something with big potential, but it can only work if YOU join in.

As a parent and a psychologist, I’m naturally interested in exploring ideas about developing healthy people and thus a healthy and stable future for all.  We’ll take a look at topics like multiple intelligence, electronic communication, helping our children develop their interests, and generally supporting their feelings and experiences.

I hope you’re able take the time to join us. We look forward to your ideas and involvement.

Miriam Engstrom

Week 1: Emotional Intelligence and the role of parents and teachers in building more emotionally intelligent students

Have a look at this fantastic TED talk on vulnerability.

How do you think parents and teachers can BEST serve students in building more emotionally intelligent citizens?

http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html 

Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame. She spent the first five years of her decade-long study focusing on shame and empathy, and is now using that work to explore a concept that she calls Wholeheartedness. She poses the questions:
How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness? How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough – that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy?
www.ted.com