Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 Public Schools just opened, but they are doing so against a backdrop of debates over a variety of cultural and educa- tional concerns that seems to be growing in intensity. Pair this with the very natural worries that any parent has about sending a child to school, and it's easy to understand why you or your neighbors are more unsettled than you might be as the new year draws closer. Don't be swept away by the distractions. Your child and you can, and will, have a great school year if you keep the focus squarely on what matters—your child(ren) and their education. What follows is some practical advice to help you and your child keep your focus and rediscover the very real joy that comes with the opening of the school year and the learning that will occur. From there, we'll take a quick look at the dis- tricts in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford. Helping Your Child to Learn Whether your child is entering public school for the first time, or preparing for that all-important senior year, every parent can help their student have a successful year by fol- lowing three principles: Let Them Explore Let Them Struggle Let Them be Themselves Local School Profiles By the Numbers and How to Keep Your Focus on Success con nued on pg 20 "The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you'll go." —Dr. Seuss Children are natural-born explorers. It's in their DNA, and the key to their education lay in cultivating that natural inquisitiveness. There are two simple things every par- ent can do that will help children nurture their desire to explore in school. 1. Get to Know the Teacher Teachers are your child's expedition leaders, and it's important that you take an interest in them and supporting their work. Teachers who are fully certified are likely to have a clear idea of where they're headed and the many ways that parents can help. Find out what those are. Provisionally licensed teachers are often strong in curricular knowledge, but still learning the ropes of helping young minds to learn. Get to know their needs, and offer to help in any way they need. 2. Don't Become Test-Obsessed Testing is a reality of public education, but don't allow test anxiety to drive you and your child's relationship with his or her teacher. Keep your focus on the expedition, and view tests as an opportunity to demonstrate what you know. It's a minor shift in attitude that can pay large dividends. Let Them Explore WRITTEN BY MARTIN DAVIS How Does How Does Your School Your School System System Measure Measure Up? Up?

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