• Parent Resources

    On this page:

    • Web Resources for Parents
    • A Dozen Steps to Improving Your Child's Academic Performance
    • Homework Tips for Parents
    • Tips to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

    Web Resources for Parents

    Middle School EduGuide
    EduGuide is a national nonprofit organization that provides many guides, tools, and resources to help parents make the most of their children’s education, from cradle to college. Parents and students can ask questions, get advice, and share experiences. A great resource!

    Parentpedia – The Encyclopedia for Parents
    Parentpedia is a unique online parenting encyclopedia offering expert opinion, collaborative advice from parents, and real-life stories. It covers all aspects of raising kids, all in an easy-to-find, easy-to-read format.

    Mom’s Homeroom
    This site features advice and information from experienced moms to moms. Discover ideas, activities, and resources to help your kids learn and succeed in school.

    4 Parents.gov
    This site contains information for parents to help their son or daughter be prepared to make healthy choices. It includes conversation starters and lots of tips on talking to your teen or pre-teen.

    American School Counselor Association
    Good articles for parents on a variety of issues.

    Girls Health.gov
    This is a very girl- and parent-friendly website from the U.S. Department of health that covers many topics from drugs and bullying to illness and nutrition. A good starting point for a parent-daughter chat on difficult topics. The site gives girls reliable, useful information on health issues they will face as they become young women and tips on handling relationships with family and friends, at school and at home.

    U.S. Department of Education
    A variety of resources for parents covering topics such as helping your child to be successful in school to checklists and tips.

    ADD/ADHD

    Bipolar Disorder

    • Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
      The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a parent-led, not-for-profit, Web-based membership organization of families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for, pediatric bipolar disorder.
    • Facing Bipolar
      This site contains all kinds of information about bipolar disorder including facts, the highs and lows, treatment, and support.

    Children of Alcoholics

    • National Association for Children of Alcoholics
      The people hurt most by drugs and alcohol don't even use them; they are the CHILDREN of alcoholics and other drug-dependent parents. The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) believes that none of these children should grow up in isolation and without support. Their mission is to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. They help kids hurt by parental alcohol and drug use.

    Depression

    • Depressed Teens.com
      This is an educational site dedicated to helping teenagers and their parents and educators understand the signs and symptoms of teenage depression and provide resources for those ready to reach out and get the help they need.
    • University of Michigan Depression Center
      This is the nation’s first comprehensive depression center with information about depression, depressive disorders, and treatments.

    Divorce

    Drug Abuse

    • Parents. The Anti-Drug
      Up-to-date information about drugs, signs, and symptoms of use, and tips for parents.
    • Drug Abuse: Above the Influence
      This website was created for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (a program of the Office of National Drug Control Policy). This campaign reflects what teens across the country have said is going on in their lives. Their goal is to help teens stay above the influence believing that the more aware teens are of the influences around them, the better prepared they will be to stand up to the pressures that keep them down. The site gives another perspective and the latest facts so teens can make smart decisions regarding drug and alcohol use.

    Eating Disorders

    • National Eating Disorders Association
      This organization is dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to those affected by eating disorders. You’ll find a Parent Toolkit with helpful information, up-to-the-minute news stories, and much more.

    Grief and Loss

    Underage Drinking

    • Stop Underage Drinking
      A comprehensive portal of federal resources for information on underage drinking and ideas for combating this issue. People interested in underage drinking prevention—including parents, educators, community-based organizations, and youth—will find a wealth of valuable information here.       

    Grade Calculator

    • Grade Calculator
      Type in your current grades, along with the weight they hold in determining your overall average. 
      Optional: Find out the additional grade you would need to receive your desired grade.

    An Even Dozen Steps to Improving Your Child’s Academic Performance

    • Check and sign your child’s planner every night
    • Schedule regular time each night for homework
    • Study with your child before tests and quizzes
    • Encourage your child to ask questions in class
    • Talk to your child often about his/her progress 
    • Help your child keep his/her materials organized
    • Check to see that homework has been completed
    • Communicate regularly with teachers via e-mail or phone
    • Provide incentives when assignments are completed and turned in
    • Ensure your child has a quiet place to study and complete homework
    • Monitor your child’s attendance to ensure he/she attends school every day
    • Provide logical consequences when your child does not complete assignments

    Homework Tips for Parents

    • Make yourself aware of the school’s and individual teacher’s homework policies.
    • Students should be writing assignments and due dates in their planner. Remind your child to do this and check his/her planner daily. checklist and pencil
    • Set up a specific time and place for your child to do homework and review daily classwork.
    • Try to be available during homework time.
    • Avoid unnecessary distractions such as phone calls, TV, or music during homework time.
    • Have school supplies available (pencils, pens, paper, dictionary, ruler, etc.).
    • DON’T do your child’s homework for him/her! If there is a problem, work through an example with them.
    • If your child is having continued problems with homework, make an appointment to meet with the teacher(s).
    • Look at your child’s returned papers to check progress and give praise for a job well done or signs of improvement.
    • Provide reading materials or extra work in needed areas if no homework is given.
    • Log in to ProgressBook to check grades and see what assignments your child is missing.
    • Estimated daily homework time = 10 minutes of homework X grade level of the student.

    Tips to Help Your Child Succeed in School

    Communicate high expectations. Make sure your student understands that you expect him or her to complete homework, study for tests, graduate from high school and continue learning after high school.

    Check grades. Take advantage of online information in ProgressBook for your student’s grades, missing assignments, and attendance. If you do not have Internet access at home, try using the computers at the public library. Contact your son/daughter’s counselor or the main office for assistance with the ProgressBook program.

    Contact your child’s teachers. If you have questions or concerns about your son/daughter’s academic progress or classroom behavior, contact his/her teachers by e-mail, phone, or a written note in your child’s planner.

    Monitor homework. Homework is extremely important for academic success. Even middle school students sometimes still need homework checked for completion and may also need to be reminded to turn assignments in. Please contact your child’s teacher(s) concerning questions about specific homework assignments.

    Seek help. Encourage your son/daughter to ask questions during class or before or after class if he/she doesn’t understand something or needs clarification about an assignment.

    Be prepared every day. Be sure your son/daughter prepares for school the night before and gets a good night’s sleep. Choosing clothes the night before and placing everything for school in one spot makes mornings less chaotic.

    Be involved and be present. Your school offers several opportunities for parents to get acquainted with the school and the school staff. Attend an open house and parent meetings, talk with teachers during parent-teacher conferences, or volunteer to chaperone extra-curricular activities. Students do better in school when parents are actively involved.