7., 9., & 15. "Dear Mr. ___, I just wanted you to know that You are your son's hero."

You are your son’s hero

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

7* Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices. Committed Leaders

9* Ongoing professional development reflects best educational practices. Professional Development

15* The school actively involves families in the education of their children. Family Involvement

This we believe (NMSA, 2010) identifies sixteen characteristics that exist in exemplary middle schools. This blog addresses the seventh, ninth, and fifteenth characteristics and is part of the section that addresses leadership and organization, as well as, culture and community.

I had to call a parent yesterday. One of my kids was being disruptive (again) during an exam. I asked him to go to our ICU (Intensive Care Unit). He slammed his computer and took off slamming our classroom door on his way out.

Whoa, my students were shocked. One said, “Man, if I did that at home I wouldn't be able to walk.” Others shook their heads. So I called the parent to let him know that his child had had a bad day and may be angry about events that took place in class. (I also put him on Lunch Detention.)

Today, the boy came to class and worked well. He was a different child. At lunch, I called the parent to let him know his son had had a better day. I received the parent's answering machine and shared the following.

“Good afternoon Mr. ____, I wanted to let you know that  ____ had a better day. I also wanted to tell you that in November, I asked my students to share who their heroes were. We put these names on stars. You are your son’s hero. I thought you would want to know, Mr. ___; you are your son’s hero. (I said it twice.). I hope you all have a nice Christmas.”

I wonder how many times parents hear "bad news" from us and never hear how their child is doing? The more we know about our children, the more likely we are to help them. 

Advice

1)   If you have children who display issues related to behavior problems, read as much as you can about it. I am currently reading a book by Diane Montgomery (2015) called Teaching gifted children with special educational needs: Supporting dual and multiple exceptionality. The chapter that has a lot of information is “Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Difficulties.”

2)   Realize that children who misbehave in your classes may be frustrated, may need attention, may have neurological problems. They need someone who will not give up on them.

3)   Realize that parents of children who misbehave are the most aware of challenges their children face. They, too, need to know that you are in support of their children.

4) If you make contact with a parent, be sure and follow up with how they are doing. Parents want to be informed; they need our support.