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THE ABC'S OF SCHOOL CHOICE
"School of Choice" simply means that parents now have the power and opportunity to choose which school their child will attend . . . Click Here to Read More >
SWITCHING SCHOOLS: HELPFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Change is never easy. Making a transition from the familiar to the unknown can be an anxious time for both students and their parents. However, there are things parents can do . . . Click Here to Read More >
THE ABC'S OF SCHOOL CHOICE
"School of Choice" simply means that parents now have the power and opportunity to choose which school their child will attend, rather than have the school determined arbitrarily by their home address. More affluent families were already able to ’choose’ their schools in a sense, as they were more able to afford a private school or relocate into a city with better schools. Parents without such means, until recently, generally had no choice of school, and sent their child to the school assigned to them by the district, regardless of the school's quality or appropriateness for their child.
School of Choice provides better educational opportunity for every student because it uses the competition to drive service quality. School of Choice programs have been shown to foster parental involvement and high expectations—by giving parents the option to educate their children as they see fit. It re-asserts the rights of the parent and the best interests of child over the convenience of the system, infuses accountability and quality into the system, and provides educational opportunity where none existed before.
Michigan is a School of Choice state, and the law, known as the "State School Aid Act," grants local school boards the authority to offer a student the option of enrolling in the school building of their choice. While each local district is different, generally local school boards may establish district policies for intra-district (within the same district) choice for resident students within select buildings within the district. School board may also provide choice enrollment options to students from other school districts (inter-district).
The State School Aid Act provides each local school board with the option to participate in the state schools of choice program. Michigan law does not require a public school to provide intra-district choice. When first introduced, some school boards were reluctant to open up their schools to choice students, and it was a highly controversial issue for a time. “There was a sense of security parents felt, knowing their children are with other kids from their same neighborhood,” says Superintendent Dave Peden of Southgate Public Schools “However, this was quickly outweighed by the high quality of students we were able to attract to our classrooms. Our ’choice’ students have a strong reason for being here, and literally ‘go the extra mile’ to attend our schools. It’s easy to take things for granted when they are right in your neighborhood – but our ‘choice’ families drive sometimes 20 minutes or more twice a day to make use of our great facilities, so you know it is truly important to them. I think it’s lifted up our entire community’s pride in our schools.”
Intra-District Choice
Intra-district choice provides a parent with the opportunity to enroll a student in any school building within their assigned local school district. In addition, a district may create a policy relating to the placement of students within select buildings in the district. The district may, but is not required, to provide transportation for a student who chooses to attend a different school building.
Cooperative Choice Agreement
A number of school districts have the option of establishing programs that permit the enrollment of a nonresident student. The agreement may be between districts in different intermediate school districts or counties. Please check with your local school board as to whether a cooperative choice agreement exists.
Local School District Choice
The board of a local school district may enroll your out-of-district child on an individual case-by-case basis. The law states, "A nonresident district must have a release from the resident district to count a nonresident student in membership in order to receive the foundation allowance for that student [MCL 388.1606(4)(b)]." The resident school district may approve or deny the request for the release.
If you’d like to know more about the Schools of Choice policy in your area, contact your local school board office. They have all the information you’ll need to determine which local districts accept ’choice’ students, and can provide the enrollment dates and details.
SWITCHING SCHOOLS: HELPFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Change is never easy. Making a transition from the familiar to the unknown can be an anxious time for both students and their parents. However, there are things parents can do to help make their child feel more secure when starting a new school. Whether it’s the transition from primary to secondary school—or changing districts—change can be made easier with a few helpful hints. Best Schools in Michigan has prepared some advice for parents and students of all ages who are about to make the change.
Every child is different and each stage of their lives requires different approaches to tackling the apprehension of change. Below is advice for your child throughout their school careers:
- Changing Schools
- Introduction to Kindergarten
- Introduction to Middle School
- Introduction to High School
Changing Schools
While there are many reasons parents switch schools, most involve either a move or desire to find a better educational environment for their child. Whatever the reason, there are things parents can do in helping make the transition from the known to the unknown easier for their child—and easier on themselves!
Break the news simply: Don’t go into explanations about financial hardship or the fight you had with the principal. Parents should sit down with the kids and talk about it as a family. Try starting the conversation like: "We've found a wonderful new school, and we think this will be the best place for our family."
Empathize: Kids are likely to be sad, scared or angry to get this news. Validate them by saying something like: "I remember when I had to switch schools when I moved as a kid. It was really hard at first, and I was scared too, but then I made friends and it got easier."
Tour: Arrange to tour the school and visit the classroom now or before summer’s end. See if you can set up a time to meet with the teacher as well. Let them experience the classroom hands-on if possible.
For Younger Students
Try Summer Camp: If the school offers this, sign your child up to help him or her acclimate.
Help In Making New Friends: Ask the school principal or director for a class roster, and see if you can get introductions to other families with kids in your child’s class. Then, set up playdates with a few different kids. Just knowing a couple of people will help kids feel more confident starting in a new school.
Keep Old Friends: If possible, continue playdates with friends from the old school. It lets kids know that just because they leave a school, it doesn’t mean they leave all their friends behind.
INTRODUCTION TO KINDERGARTEN
Many children, especially those with older siblings, have longed for this rite of passage. But, others may be fearful of the change from the often small, loving and comfortable preschool situation. Attention to a few issues, and some major empathy on your part, should make this an easy and fun transition for your little one. Usually your child’s concerns fall into two categories: getting through the day in one piece (schedules, how the day will proceed) and emotional fears. Let’s begin with the basics:
Getting the Lay of the Land
Where’s the bathroom and when can I use it?
Many kindergarten classrooms are set up with a bathroom or two situated right in the classroom so that the little kids don’t mingle with the older students or have to travel outside of the class (and find their way back!) every time Nature calls!
What if I don’t make it to the bathroom and have an accident?
Another good question, and again, easily answered! It’s quite common for teachers to request an extra set of underwear and pants, packed in a large zip-locked plastic bag just for this occasion. Tell your child that this is quite commonplace, and to just alert the teacher to their situation and a clean change of clothes will do the trick. No one else has to know about it, and therefore this is nothing to be concerned about.
What if I get hungry? Will they feed me?
Yep, and it’s fun too. Explain about snack and lunch time, and how your youngster will probably have the option of bringing both or buying lunch in the cafeteria. Discuss how snack will occur mid-morning and lunch an hour or so later in the day. Ask your son or daughter what they would like for you to pack, and let them consider making their own snacks and lunches either the night before or early in the morning.
Will I have homework like my older brother?
It depends on the school, but most schools will begin assigning some form of homework to introduce the concept to Kindergarteners. Explain that it will be fun and interesting (it is the only sane answer to this question!). Many little ones look forward to the idea of homework as it reeks of being a "big kid."
What happens first? Then what do we do?
It’s a good idea to call the school and ask for a daily schedule of activities to review with your child.
Emotional Issues
What if the other kids don’t like me?
Ugh, the dreaded fear of many children. Empathize with your child, telling her that most kids have a little worry about this, but are pleasantly surprised at how nice and friendly the children are. Remind them that all of their fellow students will be new to the situation and needing to make friends. Explain that they’ll be placed at a table with a few other kids and that they’ have a chance to quickly get to know them. Recess is also a great place to make friends, as is lunch. You may want to role-play some "small talk" with your child, especially if she is on the shy side. Rehearse with dolls or stuffed animals before the school year begins. Try scripts like, "Hi, my name is Megan, what’s yours?" That’s sure to get a positive response as well as being a good conversation starter. Discuss how to join into others’ games, by saying—"Hey, that looks like fun and I know how to play four-square. Can I have a turn?" Another sure bet is to invite another kid to sit next to your child during snack time or recess. Explain to your child how others are probably feeling just as nervous or uncertain, and will love being invited to sit with, share activities, or play with your child.
What if you don't pick me up on time?
That’s a common fear of little ones, and something that is usually under your control. Tell them that you’ll be in the car line on time (but don’t promise to be first—that’s definitely not always an option and really scares the kids when they don’t see your car heading up the line!). Let them know that they may have to wait a few minutes for you, but that’s normal and nothing is wrong. If your child rides a bus home, explain the process and how the adults will make sure that they’ll be safe.
What if the teacher doesn’t like me?
Explain to your child that kindergarten teachers are perhaps the nicest folks on Earth! They’ve chosen to work with little ones because they love children and are usually warm, funny and understanding people. Emphasize how your child can trust the teacher and go to him or her with any concerns.
What if I’m the dumbest kid in the class?
This is a good entrée to getting out the crayons, pencils and scissors and reviewing with your little one some of the skills that will be needed in class. Review the colors, shapes, and the alphabet letters that she knows. Practice cutting, coloring and copying — but don’t overdo it.
A Few Tips:
- Don’t forget the excitement of shopping for the lunchbox, book bag, and school clothes. Many kids love to wear a new outfit the first day, but don’t be surprised if your child decides on something that he wore at preschool. It may be comforting to take a bit of the old with them as they enter into the new!
- Visit the school beforehand. Try playing on the playground and looking into the classroom windows if a tour is available. Review the floor plan of the building, at least the part between arrival at school and finding her classroom. Discuss how you’ll handle that the first few days of school.
- Introduction to MiIf you can, arrange for a short meeting with the teacher and a quick look at the classroom.
- Be prepared for a bit of clinging the first week or so. Then, on the first day of school, hand the child over to the teacher (she’s the expert on this) and try to have a good day!
INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
If your tween is like most, they’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension at the prospect of beginning middle school. Helping tweens make the transition from elementary school to middle school helps prepare them for a successful academic year. While it may be difficult for you or your tween to say good-bye to elementary school, the middle school years provide plenty of opportunities for your son or daughter to develop socially, academically, and intellectually.
To get off on the right foot, consider the following pointers:
Discuss Change
Make sure your tween understands that middle school may be very different from elementary school. Help her understand that her teachers will expect her to be more responsible, and take on additional homework. Lockers, gym class, mandatory showers after gym, multiple teachers, and a whole new group of kids may just be a few of your child’s new experiences. On the upside, point out that middle school will offer social activities and clubs that elementary school never had, such as band, sports clubs, and other opportunities. Also, many middle school cafeterias offer items such as a salad bar, potato bar, or a pizza bar. Find out what your child's school offers in terms of extra-curricular activities, as well as elective classes. Accentuate the positive!
Make Contact with the School
Many middle schools offer an open house or a "get to know us" evening for both children and parents. These events are wonderful opportunities for both you and your child to familiarize yourselves with the new school. If such opportunities aren't offered, don't hesitate to call the school to request a tour with the principal or the guidance counselor.
Discuss Rules
If your middle schooler tends to find out about rules the hard way, save him a little time by going over the school’s dress code, cell phone rules, bus rules, and cafeteria rules. Discuss the school's consequence policy (and yours, too).
Talk About Social Pressures
The middle school years present enormous social pressures for children and introduce them to a variety of dangers. Take every possible opportunity to reinforce your family’s rules and values regarding smoking, drugs, alcohol, dating, co-ed sleepovers, and any other issues of concerns.
Role play with your child about how they should react when confronted by a classmate to smoke or drink alcohol. Stay on top of your child’s social situation by getting to know their friends and their parents. If you see a change in your child’s personality, or their grades begin to drop, take action.
Contact the school guidance counselor to find out if there might be something going on at school or on the bus, such as bullying. Remind your child every now and then that you are there to help, and that they can talk to you about anything.
Ask About Concerns
Be sure to give your child numerous opportunities to ask questions about their new experience and express concerns. You may think your child is stressed about changing classes, when they may really be worried about whether or not they’ remember their locker combination.
Assess Your Child’s Skills and Abilities
Starting all over at a new school is hard enough, but starting over when you’re struggling with math or reading can make the experience a nightmare. Consider tutoring services if your child’s academic skills aren’t where they should be. Also, ask the middle school about any resources they may provide to help your child succeed academically.
A Few Tips:
- Explain to your tween that students in middle school are not coddled and need to respond to their teacher’s commands the first time—without warnings.
- Help your child develop and keep up with an organization method for all their classwork
- Raise expectations for handwriting; make sure they put their name on all assignments, and other basic skills they should have mastered before entering middle school.
- Explain that more difficult work, including more lengthy essays and reading assignments will be expected of them.
INTRODUCTION TO HIGH SCHOOL
At this point, your child has spent nearly a decade going to school and understands what is expected of him or her. And, while middle school is a good primer for what lies ahead, high school can be a tricky environment to navigate for young teenagers. Social pressures tend to be at their greatest during the next four years, and college admissions loom heavily nowadays at earlier ages. But the transition to high school doesn't have to be stressful and scary, if parents know a few tips for helping ease the anxiety.
Talk it Out
Be open to talking about your child’s feelings about high school. Be excited and encouraging and don’t constantly dwell on your own experiences in high school. Showing enthusiasm may rub off on them and if your child shares his or her expectations, you might be able to eliminate unnecessary stress by dispelling any false notions he or she may have. Be sure to attend orientation day if the high school offers one. Your child may discourage you from attending, but it is an important step to understanding the educational experience your child will have.
Be Prepared
Before your child begins high school, be sure that he or she has developed and understands good study habits and organization. The workload in high school will be more demanding than that of junior high or middle school. Be sure that your child is aware and capable of handling the homework and projects that will come. If they are prepared and ready for the work, it will make the experience much less stressful.
Iron Out the Details
Be sure that you are clear with your children about transportation arrangements to and from school. Will they get a ride from a neighbor or will you be driving? Also, be sure that your child arrives at school with all the necessary binders, paper, pens, pencils, calculators, etc. Forgetting homework or supplies can cause unnecessary stress.
Lend an Ear
Be supportive and open to communication with your child. High school is a big change, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Be sure that your child knows that they can talk with you about any issues that may arise. They’ll be exposed to many new and disturbing things in high school, like drugs, peer pressure and sex. Be ready to talk about these topics in an open, sympathetic way so your young adult will have no cause for hesitation in coming to you with their problems.
