Living In USA

Most schools have organizations made up of both parents and teachers. They meet together regularly to discuss and confer on various matters pertaining to the school — curriculum, budgets, faculty, salaries, library facilities, and so forth.

Parents often volunteer to help with classroom or after-school activities. They sometimes make costumes for plays, play the piano, bring snacks or cookies for a party, or assist a teacher on a class field trip. Some come at regular times to tutor children in the classroom, under the teacher's supervision. Volunteering at your child's school is a good way to meet people in the area and to learn how the school functions.

In good schools a real effort is made to have the home and the school work together for the child's well-being. You will generally find teachers eager to talk with you about any problems you may have concerning your child — although the larger the class, the less time (understandably) the teachers have. Where size permits, there are often parent conferences — scheduled appointments so that parents can meet privately with one or more of their child's teachers to discuss particular problems or progress. You will also be sent notices of meetings or programs. You may be invited to a "parents' day," where you follow your child's schedule through a full day of classes, or a "parents' evening," an abbreviated version, with ten - to fifteen-minute classes. This is enlightening and enjoyable for most parents. Parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled regularly or at the request of either the teacher or the parents. These conferences are an important way to understand what is expected of your child, and to find out whether he or she is experiencing any academic or social difficulties.

Both mothers and fathers are expected to attend such meetings and to show their interest in the school and their children's education. School functions also provide a good way to meet your neighbors and to make friends in the community. Since Americans enjoy meeting people from other countries, you will probably find your national background a help rather than a handicap in getting acquainted. This is true even if you are having trouble with the language.