The school year is rapidly coming to a close. There’s not much that parents of school-aged children can do about the year behind, but there is plenty that can be done about the upcoming year.
With summer vacation approaching, many parents in Howard County are aware that some learned information is lost over the summer months. Those parents who are most keenly aware of this phenomenon routinely register their children for summer enrichment programs. Yes. Summer School! But enrichment programs are not for children needing to make up work, but rather, preparatory sessions for next school year.
There are communities within the county, where the education of children is of paramount importance. These communities are proactive rather than reactive when it comes to their children’s futures. The children of these parents are in advanced placement courses or gifted and talented classes. In actuality, there may be nothing gifted, talented or advanced about many of these children, so their parents go the extra mile to have such designations attached to their children.
They hire tutors and send their children to summer classes sponsored by their churches, or to learning centers that specialize in gearing children for advanced placement. These same children spend a considerable amount of time in our public libraries.
When school is in session, these same parents, sometimes to the dismay of teachers, are in constant contact with teachers and administrators, via email. They want up-to-the-minute updates on their children’s progress. The scheduled interim reports and report cards are insufficient for these parents. They often find themselves at a disadvantage managing their children’s education, if they are not up-to-date, at least weekly.
Of course, many of these parents have college and post-graduate educations; and the culture of education is ingrained in them. It’s not like they stumbled upon these success measures. They grew up in the same environment that they are now creating for their offspring. These same parents, because of their advanced educations and great careers, have sufficient money or credit to provide these education perks to their children. Also, most of these families are not wrecked by divorce or absentee parents.
But some of the measures taken by these parents cost nothing. The public library is free and contacting teachers costs nothing. Parents who are education-centered, typically check their children’s book bags daily for homework assignments and they ask pinpoint questions about the school day. Time is set-aside as homework time and fun time is limited.
As for summer preparatory classes, there are free and reduced programs for those of us who just have enough money to pay the standard bills. There are counselors and special resource personnel in the schools who are aware of all that is offered in Howard County. If options are limited, then there is the cooperative route. Parents can band together to form their own summer education group, where each member pitches in time or money. Find a church or other organization willing to donate free space and instantly you have your summer enrichment program!
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