Last night at my school we had our annual parent meeting. Don't really know what the turn out was, but for those parents who attended the meeting, thank you for taking part in your child's learning.

Parents, you do not realize how much impact you make in the future of your children. We have them most of the day, but your partnership and reinforcement of the skills being taught at school are vital.

Last night at the close of our PTA meeting I shared with you a short message. That message basically was that we are not here as teachers and schools to give your children straight "A's". I know this probably was a shock to some, but it is the truth. We are here to take your child where they are academically and get them as far as possible in their learning.

As teachers I know there is some pressure to wanting to give kids good grades and for kids to do well in school. However, we as teachers need to be very real with you the parent and be honest and partner with you in helping your child where they are in their learning. If they have difficulties we need to be upfront and honest and not couch their grade in a "A" or a "B". If they are having difficulty we need to tell you and partner with you to work with them to improve.

Maybe that is as simple as studying more before a test. Maybe it is spending more time with your child by reading at night. Maybe it is checking the backpack to see what their daily work looks like. Maybe it is conferencing with your child's teacher to show your kids that we are working as a team to help them improve. Maybe it is that we as teachers need to tweek our instruction. Maybe it is that your child needs to step up. Maybe it is that your child is doing the best that they can at this time.

Whatever it is, we need to work as partners with you to make your child's learning experience the best it can be. So, we will get busy as a school and do the best we can and I encourage you to get busy at home.

Let me know what you think about what I said: lsmith1@baschools.org