Red Apple winners offer advice for success
Each year, the United Way of Butler County honors top teachers with the Red Apple Awards to recognize their service to their schools and communities.
Recently, three 2012 Red Apple Award Winners talked about how parents can help their children in school.
• Lisa Adler, algebra, South Butler Middle School:
“I believe there are a few ways parents can help their children succeed in school.
“First of all, they should prioritize school at home. Video games and TV should take place only when homework is completed, and completed well. There should also be a limit on the amount of time students spend on games, TV, and computer.
“Another way parents can help their child succeed is to take advantage of the computer programs, available through most districts, where assignments and grades are posted online. Teachers spend time daily, posting homework for each night.
“Parents have access to their children's assignments at the touch of the computer key.
“Overall, parents simply need to be actively involved. When parents help children realize school is a privilege, that not all children in the world have the luxury of an education, and that their child can succeed where powerful choices are made, we will see more success.”
• Michael “Mickey” Flood, health, Seneca Valley Middle School:“Our kids are our most prized possession and we want them to succeed and flourish in the worst way. However, I think we sometimes need to step back and allow them to learn life lessons along the way instead of making excuses and trying to bail them out.“Teachers are there to help and work with you in a conjoined effort, let your son/daughter know that the teacher and parent are on the same team. Establish a study time for them to complete their work, check their planners, and if they tell you it is done ... have them show it to you.“If there comes a time in which they didn't complete something, allow them to suffer the consequences for their actions. This will help them mature and become more responsible.“I know this can be very difficult, but this will aid them in the future. Hold them accountable, but above all love them. Don't just tell them, but show them.”
• Patricia Saeler, second grade, Summit Township Elementary School:Saeler said students are most likely to do well in school when their parent or guardian values education. For example, parents and guardians need to ensure that students are putting forth their best effort in class and that they are finishing assignments on time, she said.In addition, it's helpful to students if parents and guardians talk with them about their career goals and how to reach them.“Let children know that something important is being discussed,” Saeler said.Saeler would like families to see teachers as a partner with them, like a doctor or a dentists, she said. In that regard, she believes it's very important to keep the lines of communication open about whatever is going on at home, she said.A child is in the classroom for many hours and educators deal with their anger, tears and depression, she said. It's helpful for teachers to know if a situation at home is influencing a child's state of mind.“We don't just teach academics, we teach the whole child,” she said.
