-이기동 교장(Keith Lee·뉴욕 웨스트체스터 답스 페리 고교)

As a teacher, for the past 22 years, September has always been synonymous with ‘Back to School’ and the start of a new school year.
This time of the year always brings a feeling of anticipation and excitement for another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people. As a teacher and now as the principal of Dobbs Ferry High School, I feel very fortunate to be in a profession where each new school year presents us the opportunity to work with
both students and parents.After the long summer break, many parents no doubt are looking forward to sending their children back to school.

Parents play a very important role in helping make the back-to-school transition smooth. According to the National Education Association, the parents should be sure to:

-Engage in discussion about their children’s friends, classes, and activities
-Work with their children to set measurable goals and expectations
-Urge their children to be involved in extracurricular activities at school and in the community
-Help them with budgeting their time and homework load
Also, here are just a few tips to help parents get started:
-Determine set times and location for homework
-Meet your children’s teacher and school principal
-Prepare for and go to parent-teacher conferences
-Get involved in the school’s PTA
-Stay on top of the school calendar
-Keep track of and attend school events

Most schools host back-to-school nights shortly after the beginning of the school year.
Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the teachers that will be working with your children. It’s one of the best ways to begin to build that all-important parent-teacher partnership. On Back to School Night, teachers will give explanations about their teaching style and instructional programs. Teachers will also explain the homework/grading policy as well as behavioral expectations they have for the children.

Whenever a parent asks me what is the key to their child’s success in school, I always respond with the same answer: be involved and pay attention to what your child is doing in and out of school.
Many studies have shown a strong correlation between parent involvement and a child’s success in school.
Do not make a mistake of thinking that parent involvement is simply signing up your child for the best after school SAT academies.
A few weeks ago, I happened to watch a Korean drama series called ‘KangNam Mothers.’
As an educator, it was heartbreaking to see students being pressured by their parents to achieve good grades in school as if it’s the only thing that matters. In my opinion, a true education lies within each child’s interest and our job as parents is
to provide support and encouragement so that they can believe in themselves to be successful.