FOSTERING ADULT RELATIONSHIPS TO HELP OUR STUDENTS:
Oftentimes I am reminded by our parents that they choose Floyd for their child’s educational development because they want the small, personal, learning environment that we offer! This truly is a wonderful aspect of our school!
To that end, this site message will address the importance of ADULT relationships within this environment. Whether it is "teacher to teacher" or "parent to teacher", the importance of personal, open, and honest relationships among the adults, who are charged with the formation of young people, cannot be overlooked.
It is this superintendent's stance that the adult to adult relationships are as important as the teacher-student relationship and, perhaps, moreso. Too often, in schools, we (unintentionally) use the student as the primary mode of communication between the teacher and the parent. Relegating a child to the role of “messenger” to relay grade information, progress concerns (or praises), or behavioral issues between the parent and the teacher puts that child in a position of responsibility that creates communication barriers between those adults. These barriers range from attitudes such as “…if it is important enough, why isn’t the teacher (or parent) calling/contacting me directly…..” to “….my child doesn’t lie….” History has a phrase, “Don’t kill the messenger…” By relegating the child to role of messenger in matters of academic or disciplinary importance, we place them in a position that is as untenable as the proverbial “killed” messenger and it clouds the real issue.
So, parents and teachers, by fostering honest, open, and effective adult to adult communication, we can move forward in providing clear goals for each and every one of our students. We have some great “on-line” tools by which parents can monitor their child’s progress looking at a “real time” on-line grade book. We have internet access to our website for events and other information. We have email! We have phones in every classroom. Our teachers are accessible to parents easily and quickly. Teachers also have these tools to access parents. These modes of communication are convenient and useful, but only when adults model and foster positive and personal relationships with each other in a direct, honest, and open fashion will kids win!
Let’s continue to find ways to keep and maintain the small, personal atmosphere that makes FMS a great place for children.
Please do not hesitate to call Floyd Schools Today to talk to a teacher or administrator, today, and learn more about an excellent educational experience!