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| • | Regional Schools Councils - PIC Websites (best practices) Greater Toronto Catholic Parent Network http://www.gtcpn.com Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils http://www.ocasc.ca Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Council Parents Assocation http://www.occscpa.ca Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Councils http://www.pvnccdsb.on.ca/schools/catholic-school-councils.asp Thames Valley District School Council http://www.tvsb.on.ca/schoolcouncils/districtdir.shtml |
| • | More Helpful Resources: People for Education - Parent Resources www.peopleforeducation.com Association for Bright and Gifted Children of Ontario http://www.abcontario.ca This volunteer, provincially incorporated support and advisory group, has chapters across Ontario. It is dedicated to providing information and support to parents of bright and gifted children/adolescents through newletters, networking, and annual conference and local workshops. Autism Society of Ontario (ASO) http://www.autismsociety.on.ca ASO has 29 Chapters throughout the Province of Ontario and provides information and education for families, supports research, and advocacy for programs and services for the autism community. Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario http://www.ldao.ca LDAO is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to imporving the lives of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities. The organizations is supported by thousands of members across Ontario and has a newsletter, an information line and annual conferences. Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education http://www.oapce.ca OAPCE represents parents and guardians of children enrolled in publicly funded Catholic schools in Ontario. The association hosts an annual conference, and provides input to the Ministry and government on education issues from the perspective of Catholic parents. Over 1000 Catholic schools have parent members of OAPCE. Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations http://www.ofhsa.on.ca This organization of volunteers has worked to support public education at the school, school board and provincial level since 1916. OFHSA provides support, training, resources and advice to parents and members, offers an annual conference, a newsletter, and submits research papers for government and Ministry consultations. Ontario School Council Support Centre http://www.schoolcouncils.net The Ontario School Council Support Centre is a research and support centre operated on a volunteer basis. Resources and information provided by the Support Centre are intended to provide inpartial, research based, or experience-based perspectives to enable school councils to become increasingly effective and focused on improving student learning. Ontario Inclusion Learning Network http://www.count-me-in.ca/about.html OILN is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop provincial and regional inclusion learning networks and create a policy framework to use inclusion principles and strategies in the delivery of public health programs in Canada. |
| • | Helpful websites: CyberCops http://ophea.net/Ophea/Ophea.net/CyberCops.cfm Cybercops is an educational, computer-based program that teaches students in Grades 7 & 8 about the risks and safety issues associated with internet use. CyberCops assists students in acquiring the skills needed to recognize and respond to situations that threaten their personal safety and well-being as a result of using the internet. The resource also includes a Parent/Teacher Guide to help parents help their children to use the internet for positive purposes while minimizing risks. Best practices at other boards: Niagara Region Public Health Department: Transistion to School - Three to Get Ready ... Then off to School www.regional.niagara.on.ca Ottawa-Carleton Catholic District School Board http://www.occdsb.on.ca 1. Building Bridges Program 2. Community Facilitors 3. Family Welcome Centre Pilot Project 4. Supported School Readiness Ottawa-Carleton Catholic District School Board - Parents as Partners in Education This initiative assists parents and guardians with low literacy skills to help their children at school. Coordinated by the board's Adult Literacy Co-Coordinator, the board offers a manual and a series of six parent workshops including: * Families and Schools: Listening and Learning * Families and Schools: Working Together * Helping with homework * Understanding the provincial report card. * Provincial testing: What's it all about? * Summer Fun, Growing Pains |
| • | Six types of Parent Involvment: 1. Parenting - Families take care of the health and safety of children, and maintain a home environment that encourages learning and good behaviour. 2. Communicating - Schools reach out to families with information about programs, student progress and transitions to higher grades. 3. Volunteering - Parents make significant contributions to the life of the school. 4. Learning at home - Family members help their children with homework assignments and other school-related activities. 5. Decision-making - Schools may include parents in decision-making about their own children or involve them in school decisions through school councils, committees and regional school councils. Parents may also join independent community groups to work for improvements in education. 6. Collaborating with the community - Schools can help to link families with support services offered by other agencies, such as healthcare, cultural activities, tutoring services, and after-school child-care programs. They also can help families, students and community groups provide services to the community. |
| • | Here is a list of websites that are wonderful resources for parents, school councils members and community groups. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/PIC.html This is the Ministry of Education website that has wonderful resources and tips for all school groups and stakeholders. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/involvement/index.html This is a TIPS sections for School Councils http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/parents/involvement/checklist.html This is a checklist ie. Parent Involvement for School Councils http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/parents/involvement/gettingstarted.html 26 great tips and ideas for getting more parents involved and engaged in our schools. ONTARIO SCHOOL COUNCIL SUPPORT CENTRE - www.schoolcouncils.net This is a fantastic resoure website with articles, tips and resources for schools councils, parents, community members and administrators. Definitely check this out!! |
| • | Ministry of Education Parent Engagement Survey: The Ministry of Education is conducting a survey on the draft parent engagement policy. Until December 31, 2009 they will welcome input from parents, caregivers, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) members, school council members and all others with an interest in education. Visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/involvement/survey.html for more information. |
| • | Body Image boost: Children read magazines and see TV shows that show thin, beautiful models and they want to be like them. Remind your kids that being at a healthy weight is what's important. Make sure they realize that models are usually too thin and that photos themselves are often retouched and not realistic. Encourage your kids to feel their best by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Praise accomplishments that have nothing to do with how they look. If she gets a part in a school play, makes the lacrosse team or improves a grade, show pride in them. When they feel good about them self, they pay less attention to the unrealistic, superficial things. |
| • | 20 Ways to Help Your Child Succeeed 1) Establish daily routines. 2) Ensure that your child attends school regularly and arrives on time. 3) Work with the school to see that homework and assignments are completed and submitted on time. 4) Limit the amount of time your child devotes to a part-time job, sports team, club and/or committee. 5) Monitor the amount of time your child spends watching television and/or playing computer games. 6) Ensure that your child eats and sleeps well. 7) Create a home environment that encourages learning. 8) Model the value of education. 9) Encourage your child to realize personal and career goals. 10) Set realistic expectations about your childs academic achievements. 11) Support your child's chosen pathway to success. 12) Help your child select his or her courses in secondary school. 13) Encourage your child to participate in learning activities during the summer. 14) Support school and Board policies (link to Discipline Policy section) 15) Work with the school on any conflicts that may arise. 16) Take part in two-way communication with the school. 17) Regularly discuss school matters with your child. 18) Talk to teachers about your child's progres. 19) Praise your child for good work and good behaviour. 20) Cast your vote in School Council elections and get involved. Parent engagement and involvement is directly linked to student achievement. |
| • | When strong links are developed between home and school, students benefit and schools flourish. By supporting classroom learnings and reinforcing good christian behaviour, you will be making significant contributions to your child's success inside and outside the classroom. |
| • | This is a very interesting and informative website provided by People for Education. http://schools-at-the-centre.ning.com/ |
| • | IMPROVE READING UNDERSTANDING: Watching television and talking over the plot or talking about advertising, billboards and signs as you are driving down the street are ways of improving your child's reading comprehension. He/she will have a better understanding of what is heard, seen and sensed. |
| • | A Child's Ten Commandments for Parents My hands are small, please don't expect perfection whenever I make my bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don't restrict me unnessarily. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time - please take the time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for you inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated. I am a special gift; please treasure me as my Creator intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions; giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner. I need your encouragement, not just your praise to grow. Please go easy on the critism; you can critisize the things I do without criticizing me. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my own mistakes. Then someday I will be prepared to make the kind of decisions life will require of me. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me to my brother or sister. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need a vacation from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special. Please set a good example for me to follow in all the ways of life. I enjoy watching the things you do and want to do them just like you do. |
| • | Thought to ponder: I am Your Child I am you clay It is your firm but loving touch that will shape me, my values and my goals I am your paper It is on me that your ideas and feelings will be recorded, often without your realizing it, and carried on for many years. I am your student. It is through the help of your teaching and examples that I will learn life's most important lesson. |
| • | Research demonstrates that boys as a group are lagging in reading and writing skills. If your son is having difficulty, he may need different approaches to encourage interest in reading. Here are 10 simple tips you can use at home to improve your son's literacy skills. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/reading.php |
| • | Tips to help you make the most out of parent teacher meetings and communicaiton with your child's teacher throughout the year. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/communication.php |
| • | Homework is an important part of learning. When you support your children's homework routine, you can help them do better at school. Here are some simple tips to help get the most out of their homework: http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/homework.php |
| • | Routines! Routines! Routines! Daily routines can help your child to succeed in school. Consider the routines listed below to make your child feel more.... Relaxed: Music can help your child avoid morning rush. Play a soothing tape and ask him to be dressed and ready by the time its over. Energized: A good breakfast increases concentration. Offer your child healthy choices. (whole wheat bagel with peanut butter or cream cheese, orange juice blended with fruit or yogurt, instant oatmeal) Connected: Talking about the school day lets your child know you care. Ask her to share two good things that happened during the day. Prompt her with specific questions such as "Did you read a good story today?" Prepared: Studying a little every day is the best way to learn new material. Help your child choose a time for homework when he is most alert and try not to change it. Rested: A set bedtime helps kids fall asleep more quickly. Suggest that your child get in bed 15 minutes early to read, make up stories, or talk quietly with you. |
| • | Tips for Parents to Encourage Writing: * Organize a chalkboard or bulletin board for written messages for all family members. * Involve you child in family writing activities such as making shopping lists, instructions for babysitters, directions for visitors to your house, plans for birthday parties, and notes for school. * Have your child write thank-you notes for gifts. * Encourage your child to write and draw cards to send to relatives and friends for birthdays and holidays. * Promote letter-writing of all kinds, such as notes to the tooth fairy or pen pals. * Suggest special writing projects. Your child can make yard sale signs, posters for his or her room; or keep a diary, journal, or vacation notebook. * Point out a writing error now and then. Let your child correct it. Be sure not to over criticize. * Remember that good writing means more then "correctness". Focus on the meaning more than the mechanics. * Be patient. Writing develops slowly with practice. |
| • | READING FOR UNDERSTANDING: Children may be able to read the words, but often do not understand what the words mean. Helping them understand the world around them by talking to them about the things they see and use will improve their understanding of words. They may mean using difficult vocabulary and explaining what they words mean. |
| • | Helping Your Child Read Effectively : CHOOSING A BOOK 1) TOO EASY: Ask your child to select a book and read. If two or three pages can be read without mistakes, ask the child to find a more difficult book to read. 2) TOO HARD: If the child makes three mistakes per page, it may be too difficult and frustrating. Find an easier book for your child to read. HOWEVER, if the story and ideas seem very interesting to him/her, don't worry about the number of words not understood or recognized. 3) JUST RIGHT: Ask your child to read silently for several pages, then ask "Please explain what you have just read," with the book closed. If your child can give you a brief idea of what the story is about, then he/she is reading and understanding the materials. If the child cannot understand or recall the story, then you know he/she has difficulty comprehending what was read. |
| • | Making Books With Children is a wonderful way to promote literacy and have fun together. When you make homemade books, you help your child: 1) Learn new concepts. 2) Develop an understanding of how books work. 3) Become interested in books. 4) Work on his/her language skills. 5) Want to learn to read. Some examples of books you can make: "The Book of Me" - Your child can tell you what to write for them. Include favourite things, hair and eye color, names of pets, friends, siblings, and anything elso that tells about your child. Make and alphabet word-capture book: Illustrate each page with an alphabet letter. As your child learns new words, write them on the page. Family Themes: Tell the story of your family's history. Who is in the family, where they live. Use photographs and drawings to help tell the story. |
| • | Tips to help your JK - Grade 3 child with math. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/mathematics.php |
| • | Tips to help your JK - Grade 3 child with reading. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/reading.php |
| • | Finishing on Time: It can be difficult for busy teens to get everything done. Share these suggestions to help your high schooler meet dealines. Budget realistically. Ask your child to estimate how long a task (math homework, cleaning her room) will take. When she finishes, she can see how close her predication came. That way, she'll know how long she needs next time. Use electronic tools. Your teen can send herself a reminder email or text message. If she leaves it unread, the subject will serve as a constant reminder (Rough draft due Friday!). Or she might add deadlines to her computer calendar. |
| • | Routines! Routines! Routines! Daily routines can help your child to succeed in school. Consider the routines listed below to make your child feel more.... Relaxed: Music can help your child avoid morning rush. Play a soothing tape and ask him to be dressed and ready by the time its over. Energized: A good breakfast increases concentration. Offer your child healthy choices. (whole wheat bagel with peanut butter or cream cheese, orange juice blended with fruit or yogurt, instant oatmeal) Connected: Talking about the school day lets your child know you care. Ask her to share two good things that happened during the day. Prompt her with specific questions such as "Did you read a good story today?" Prepared: Studying a little every day is the best way to learn new material. Help your child choose a time for homework when he is most alert and try not to change it. Rested: A set bedtime helps kids fall asleep more quickly. Suggest that your child get in bed 15 minutes early to read, make up stories, or talk quietly with you. |
| • | READING FOR UNDERSTANDING: Children may be able to read the words, but often do not understand what the words mean. Helping them understand the world around them by talking to them about the things they see and use will improve their understanding of words. They may mean using difficult vocabulary and explaining what they words mean. |
| • | Parents can be a positive influence in teens' lives by helping them make wise choices HELPING YOUTHS MAKE SMART CHOICES ABOUT DRUGS Parents can prepare their children for the decisions they will be making about using drugs by: 1) Talking to your children about drugs. Check website: www.theantidrug.com 2) Making it clear that you do not want them using drugs. 3) Being aware of your own use of alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 4) Teaching your children refusal techniques. Check website: www.rightdecisionsrightnow.com 5) Telling your children you love them and care about them. The more involved you are in their lives, the more likely you'll be a positive influence. |
| • | Strategies to Promote Self Esteem with Your Teenager: 1) Spend time with your son/daughter: watch TV/movie, cook/bake, walk/run, coffee/hot chocolate. 2) Really take time to listen to then when they are talking to you. Stop what you are doing and give them your undivided attention. 3) Praise them for their accomplishments: (big and small). 4) Keep your teen active. 5) Model respectful behavior at home with partner/children. 6) Encourage your teen to have his/her friends to the house for movie night or just to get together (know who their friends are and get to know their parents too) 7) Show up for their activities. 8) Go to parent/teacher interviews. Find out when progress reports and report cards come out. 9) Introduce your son/daughter to as many opportunities as possible. Discuss limitless career opportunities. 10) Be mindful of the messages about yourself and others that you send to your teen's atenna. 11) Enjoy your teen for all that he/she is and what they will become. 12) Don't ever underestimate the power of your influence over your teen. |
| • | Tips to help your Grade 4 - Grade 6 child with math. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/mathematics.php |
| • | Tips to help your Grade 4 - Grade 6 child with reading. http://www.scdsb.edu.on.ca/parents/reading.php |
| • | Finishing on Time: It can be difficult for busy teens to get everything done. Share these suggestions to help your high schooler meet dealines. Budget realistically. Ask your child to estimate how long a task (math homework, cleaning her room) will take. When she finishes, she can see how close her predication came. That way, she'll know how long she needs next time. Use electronic tools. Your teen can send herself a reminder email or text message. If she leaves it unread, the subject will serve as a constant reminder (Rough draft due Friday!). Or she might add deadlines to her computer calendar. |
| • | Parents can be a positive influence in teens' lives by helping them make wise choices HELPING YOUTHS MAKE SMART CHOICES ABOUT DRUGS Parents can prepare their children for the decisions they will be making about using drugs by: 1) Talking to your children about drugs. Check website: www.theantidrug.com 2) Making it clear that you do not want them using drugs. 3) Being aware of your own use of alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 4) Teaching your children refusal techniques. Check website: www.rightdecisionsrightnow.com 5) Telling your children you love them and care about them. The more involved you are in their lives, the more likely you'll be a positive influence. |
| • | Strategies to Promote Self Esteem with Your Teenager: 1) Spend time with your son/daughter: watch TV/movie, cook/bake, walk/run, coffee/hot chocolate. 2) Really take time to listen to then when they are talking to you. Stop what you are doing and give them your undivided attention. 3) Praise them for their accomplishments: (big and small). 4) Keep your teen active. 5) Model respectful behavior at home with partner/children. 6) Encourage your teen to have his/her friends to the house for movie night or just to get together (know who their friends are and get to know their parents too) 7) Show up for their activities. 8) Go to parent/teacher interviews. Find out when progress reports and report cards come out. 9) Introduce your son/daughter to as many opportunities as possible. Discuss limitless career opportunities. 10) Be mindful of the messages about yourself and others that you send to your teen's atenna. 11) Enjoy your teen for all that he/she is and what they will become. 12) Don't ever underestimate the power of your influence over your teen. |
| • | Making Books With Children is a wonderful way to promote literacy and have fun together. When you make homemade books, you help your child: 1) Learn new concepts. 2) Develop an understanding of how books work. 3) Become interested in books. 4) Work on his/her language skills. 5) Want to learn to read. Some examples of books you can make: "The Book of Me" - Your child can tell you what to write for them. Include favourite things, hair and eye color, names of pets, friends, siblings, and anything elso that tells about your child. Make and alphabet word-capture book: Illustrate each page with an alphabet letter. As your child learns new words, write them on the page. Family Themes: Tell the story of your family's history. Who is in the family, where they live. Use photographs and drawings to help tell the story. |
| • | Information about high school requirements and options. You'll find Ontario English high school course descriptions, codes, and their pre-requisites, plus information on alternatives like co-op, summer school, and apprenticeships. http://www.ilc.org/cfmx/CM/HighSchool/index.cfm |
| • | Does your child want to explore a career path before heading to the workplace, college, university, or an apprenticeship? Does she need help progressing toward graduation? Does he have a passion for hands-on learning outside of the classroom? Learn more about programs available to help your child succeed: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsuccess/index.html |
