Expect the Best!

When researchers look at what makes students successful, they always find that expectations play a key role. If parents and teachers hold high expectations, children usually live up to them. That's true in academics...in athletics...and it's true for behavior as well. The good news for parents is that you can learn how to put the power of positive expectations to work for you.

School counselors help students be able to give his or her best effort in the classroom. Sometimes, issues arise that make it hard for kids to be ready to learn. Peer conflicts, stress or anxiety, difficulties at home, or academic struggles happen and we are here to help. The easiest way to reach us immediately is via email. We also help students prepare for what lies ahead in their future, especially in middle school. From kindergarten through 8th grade, we will explore their interests and skills, careers they want to learn more about, and what they plan to do after graduating from high school. It’s not necessary for your child to have every step mapped out by the time he or she enters first grade, but it is important to start investigating and learning about all the available options!

EMPHASIZE These Three "A"s

Your child can be a winner if you make it clear you expect these three "A"s:

  • Attendance. Businesses know how important attendance is. When they call schools before hiring a graduate, they ask first about attendance...and only later about grades. Show your child that you think attendance is important. You go to work if you have a headache or if the weather is cold-your child should also go to school on those days.
  • Achievement. We all need goals. Help your child learn to set goals...and achieve them. When he reaches one goal, show that you are pleased-and that you expect him to set his sights even higher next time.
  • Attitude. Jesse Jackson often says, "It's your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude." In other words, even the brightest student can fail if he doesn't work hard. Let your children know you expect them to try their best.
ADD These Three "B"s
  • Be positive. Low self-esteem may be keeping your child from reaching her potential. If you suspect this may be a problem, try to focus on the positive. Talk about "things you are working on" rather than "things you are bad at."
  • Be consistent. Tell your child you expect her to study a certain amount of time each day. Don't let you child put off homework until the late evening. Have her choose a time for homework...and then stick to it.

  • Be there for your child. Take time to talk...and listen...to your child. Plan some special time alone with each child each week. During these times alone, you can talk about your hopes and expectations.

The Three R's of School Success

Share these three R's with your youngster: readiness, routines, and responsibility.

  • Readiness Ensure that your child goes to school ready to learn every day: -Speak positively to your child about school and the teachers. Your attitude toward learning will send a powerful message to your youngster. -See to it that your youngster gets at least eight hours of sleep so he'll feel rested and alert.
  • Routines Develop simple routines for smoother stress-free mornings: -Help you child pick an outfit and pack her lunch in the evening. Have her put everything she needs for school in a special "grab 'n' go" corner. -Together, create a regular morning routine. For example, you might make your bed while your youngster gets dressed. Then, you could both eat breakfast.
  • Responsibility Teach your youngster responsibility by helping him get organized: -Make sure your child has a note-book for writing down assignments and due dates. You can show a youngster child how to mark dates on a calendar so you can both keep track of assignments. -Give your youngster a large envelope to keep in his book bag. Suggest that he tuck permission slips and notices of special events into the envelope, so they don't get lost.