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Written by Derek Meche
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Well for a lot of us it is back to school time. As divorced dads we
may only notice that school zones are now in effect, or that traffic is
backing up. Many of us who are lucky enough to have shared custody are
starting their back and forth of getting the children to school,
sometimes across town. What we really have to concern ourselves with
is the fact that our kids are back in school, and that it is a new
school year...
Well for a lot of us it is back to school time. As divorced dads
we may only notice that school zones are now in effect, or that traffic
is backing up. Many of us who are lucky enough to have shared
custody are starting their back and forth of getting the children to
school, sometimes across town. What we really have to concern
ourselves with is the fact that our kids are back in school, and that
it is a new school year.
I have a question for you guys. How many of you know the names of
your kid's teacher? I always try to take time out to go by the
school and introduce myself to the teacher. My way is to wait
until school is in session about two weeks. This way the teachers
can settle down and get to know a little about their new students. As
many of you regular readers know, my son Travis has trouble in
reading. I figure after two weeks, the teacher has gotten a
handle on where he is and how they plan to address his learning that
year.
I admit I have it lucky in that I live only 10 miles from Travis.
My work as a PBX technician allows me time to swing by his school on
break, or at lunch. I always leave a business card with all of my
contact numbers on it, and my e-mail address. I encourage them to
call any time they wish. Sure, this may be rare that they do, but
if they need you, they have a way to reach you. I remember on
year, Travis got sick at school, and they could not find his
mother. The teacher paged me and I picked him up. Daddy to
the rescue! I must admit I have yet to see a teacher e mail me,
but I think that this may the year.
This year I am going to try to give the teacher some self addressed
envelopes to mail me a copy of his report card. Most teachers
will do this with the right amount of "buttering up." They will
take the time to run it off if you have taken the time to make the
envelopes. That way I won't have bother Travis or his mom for a
copy. Report cards are not the only way to monitor
progress. When you have them for your weekend, ask them to bring
their backpack home. Sit down and go through it. You may
find progress reports, graded papers, or other assignments. This
may be a chance to sign papers and write a note to the teacher.
Ask your child about their work papers no matter what the grade.
I know that Zac my step-son would show us the good papers, and hide the
bad ones until after the weekend. My wife and I caught on to that
trick fast. One friend of mine in Monroe says that at his kid's
private school, teachers post homework and grades on the
internet. That way parents sign in and they can see if all of the
homework is done or not. I just have to figure out how to get
Lafayette Parish to do the same.
These ideas work well if you are close to you children, but what if
your children live far from you? That is where the post office
and the internet become essential. You have to use whatever
method you can to stay involved. I would first call the school
and find out who the teacher is, then write them a letter, with the
self-addressed envelopes. Make it look like you just can't wait
to hear from them. Ask for their email address at school. Most
teachers love to play on the internet, and it is a cheep way for them
to contact parents.
The point is there is no excuse for not keeping up with your kids
school work in some fashion. Most schools will allow
non-domiciliary parents access to records if they are nice about
it. If not, then contact the school board and find out their
policy. Sometimes it may take a phone call or letter to the board
to get the wheels in motion. Good luck and God Bless
Derek Meche
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Derek is President of: <a href="http://www.ladads.org" target="_blank">Louisiana Dads</a>
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