Khadija Hussain Photo
Williams, Smith, Shani, Puglisi, and Johnson.
Principals at three area schools said they know it can difficult for parents to get involved in their children’s education — and said that they’re here to help.
The principals appear on the latest episode of “OneWorld’s Education Agenda.” Filmed last week, it will be broadcast on local public-access TV stations in coming weeks.
N’Zinga Shani, the producer and director of OneWorld Progressive Institute, a not-for-profit educational organization based in New Haven, hosted the program. Her panel of guests included Edith Johnson, Judith Puglisi, and Sarhanna Smith, principals at Wilbur Cross High School, Metropolitan Business Academy, and Read Middle School respectively; Yohuru R. Williams, professor of history at Fairfield University.
A theme emerged during the discussion: A lack of communication between schools and parents breeds a sense of distrust in the administration.
All four educators encouraged parents to reach out more, stressing that high school is a critical time to be involved in children’s lives.
“It’s very important that parents reach out to ask teachers what they can do to help their children,” said Smith. “It’s just as important to follow through with the advice they give you.” Smith said that establishing relationships with teachers is important to do early on.
“It’s very important for parents to build communication networks,” Puglisi pointed out. “Your child is going to have maybe eight different teachers, and do extracurricular activities with different adults. If you reach out to teachers, you’ll also be able to pick whoever you’re most comfortable speaking with.” This, hopefully, will lead to more trusting relationships between parents and teachers.
Johnson, the principal at the largest comprehensive high school in New Haven, acknowledged that there will be shortcomings when it comes to what parents expect from teachers.
“Keep in mind that we have a responsibility to 1,500 kids” at Cross, she said. “Try to come in with an open mind and an open heart.”
In schools where students barely know their guidance counselors, it can be nearly impossible for them to navigate the school system on their own. That’s why, as Johnson emphasized, parents need to be involved as much as they can. “Whether you like the principal and teachers or not, remember that we all want to help your children succeed.”
Smith mentioned some relatively easy ways that parents can help at home: “Reading with your child, even just asking about their days … All these things help develop their vocabulary skills.”
Puglisi added that it’s important to create educational goals with children, and encourage them to set the bar high. “I think children sometimes think that smart kids never ask for help,” she said. “In reality the smartest kids always ask for help. I always tell my kids, ‘Dream big and always ask for help.’”
Failing in high school can have serious implications than just college or job security. Professor Williams, who is an education activist and author as well as teacher, pointed out that the kids who fall through the cracks in high school are far more likely than their peers to end up in prison. These students are also far more likely to come from low-income, black or Hispanic backgrounds. This feeds into a cycle of poverty and socioeconomic disparity.
Working parents often don’t have time to sit down with teachers. The principals stressed that there are resources available. “Parents: you can reach out to staff if you feel that whatever you’re doing isn’t working, and we will put a team together to help you,” said Smith. “It’s really important that parents access the help that is offered and that they work with children on that help.” Even doing seemingly simple things, like asking kids about their homework or classes can have a huge influence on their school lives.