Ren Web Installation

We are so excited to be launching our new school data/information base application, Ren Web. Ren Web will enable us to be in closer contact with our families by providing an intranet for our staff, students and parents. Parents can receive e-mail and or text message alerts concerning their child's grades assignments and behavior. Additions or changes to the school's calendar of events will be broadcast as well as any emergency or inclement weather announcements.

We "go live" tomorrow and we welcome all of the advantages that this new software will provide for our School!

Know your Children!

About 15 years ago, a series of questions for parents to ask their sons and daughters was developed. Then, parents were to design practical projects for their children based on the needs that were discovered. Recently, one of the parents who carried out this exercise more than 15 years ago asked his son and daughters, “Do you remember those questions I asked you and the projects we did?” They enthusiastically responded that they did remember and that these interactions with their dad were cherished memories. Here are the types of questions that were asked:

Who is your best friend? What qualities do you admire in him or her? Does this friendship tend to build you up or pull you down?

What do you want to do with your life? Whom do you want to be like? What skills do you want to develop? Do you wonder what God’s will is for your life?

What fears do you experience? (Fear of the future? Failure? Rejection? Abandonment? Past failures being revealed?)

What books have influenced you the most? How did they influence you? Have you ever thought about writing a book? What topic could you write about?

What things in our family discourage you? (Clutter? Conflicts with siblings? Tension between parents? Unfinished house repairs? Lack of space? Rules?)

What changes would you like to see in me? (More time spent with family? Less time watching television or on the Internet? Not getting upset or angry? Greater spiritual leadership?)

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? (Sports? Reading? Projects? Time with friends?)

What hurts have you experienced from others? (Friends? Family? Neighbors?)

What things about yourself or your past would you like to change?

If you could ask God any question, what would you ask Him?

Setting aside an afternoon or weekend to spend with each child and going over these and other questions would make a profound impact upon your children and you. The better you know the members of your flock, the better equipped you will be to shepherd them. Why not look at your calendar right now and designate a time that you could begin this project.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

The Home/School Partnership

When "healthy" relationships exist between the home and school, both teachers and parents value the expertise that each of them bring to the education process. When parents and teachers work together to build the foundation of a team, everybody benefits. As a parent, what can you do to contribute to your child's class or school, and what are some ways you can value and support the talents that the teacher brings to the classroom?

While here at Upper Room Christian School we strongly encourage parental involvement and support, let's first consider why a teacher might be a bit hesitant to tap the resources of a willing parent, or might have trouble thinking of a parent as a member of a team. A teacher might be wary of this "free service" if he has had a bad experience with parents in the past. Parents who force themselves on a teacher, who intrude on a teacher's personal life, or who work themselves into the classroom with a personal gripe or "agenda" are not likely to be regarded by a teacher as a valuable asset.

Let the teacher and school administration know that you want to help out on in the classroom, and let them know how you might be able to help. You might even volunteer to be the editor of a student-produced class newsletter, so all parents can stay informed about classroom activities.

You and other parents can support your child's teacher in a variety of ways -- by chaperoning field trips, preparing specialized materials for students, helping with lunch coverage, or even creating learning centers which focus on a certain topic or theme. You can generate a survey form on which parents (at an open house, in a school newsletter, or a school's Internet site like this one) can indicate their willingness to share a talent, some information, a service, or a product with the school. If you have the time and energy, you might develop and coordinate a pool of parents who can help out in a variety of ways. You may even be able to find a grant that would pay to put together a dependable parent-support network.

Help your child's teacher put his or her best skills to work in the classroom. By assisting with various non-teaching functions, you can give the teacher more time to be creative in the classroom. Every teacher wants a teammate who can do that!

Grace and Peace,

Ed