My School Community

On October third, I experienced my first parent-teacher conference of the year. Last week, our coordinator took us on a tour of the school. This week marked the end of my third week full-time teaching. By now, I feel confident that I have an accurate idea of the community my students are coming from. Oddly enough, I am reminded in many ways of my hometown. Many times, situations are quite similar to ones myself or those around me have experienced. Just as when I was in school, not all parents came to conferences. For many, work schedules conflict with after-school events. For others, childcare options may interfere, and for some, there simply may not be a concern with relation to their child’s schoolwork.

On the tour, I again was reminded of home. There are many farms, and a variety of economic situations and living arrangements. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “if you blink, you’ll miss it,” that’s a good way to explain how small the town is. Since I live four hours away, it was good to see something that reminded me of being back there. Mrs. Michael pointed out to us students’ houses she could see from where the roads we were on, as well as various businesses or landmarks the kids are familiar with and talk about.

As fall comes to a close, and hunting season quickly approaches, I have noticed more and more conversations between students about their hunting plans. I used to do these things with my family when I was younger so this is another way I can relate to my students. As we approach further topics in Social Studies, it also has occurred to me how many historical places I have traveled to. Therefore, I tend to reference these places when talking with the students about them. When these topics come up, everyone is interested, but rarely have the students been to these same places. Until I got older, vacations were not as common in our family. Often times, talking with and watching my students is like watching my classmates and I all over again.

While there are many ways I feel this town is similar to my hometown, there are ways it differs. Most students eat hot lunch the majority of the time, because that is either free, or the rate is reduced. In many cases, the family cannot afford for the children to pack a cold lunch on a regular basis. Parent communication is generally done through notes in folders, or spur-of-the-moment conversations when an issue arises. I have been using a newsletter to reach the parents. Although there is edline (an internet site used for home-school communication), parents rarely use it. In some cases, internet is not available; it is not uncommon for parents simply not check the site. Based upon the rate of homework that is turned in and completed with effort, the reinforcement I often got as a child is not being given to my students. Sometimes, as teacher, it’s easy to get annoyed when students don’t turn in work, turn in wrong work, or parents fail to communicate. However, I have to remind myself that these things can be out of student control, even if it does put a unit or chapter a week behind schedule. I also have to remind myself that the home situation is not always evident, and things may be going on that aren’t being shared at school.