10 Ways Your Local School Board Impacts Your Life
Editor’s Note: This guest editorial is provided by Librotraficante, the organization formed in the wake of the Arizona Legislature’s ban on Mexican American Studies. The Librotraficante Caravan “smuggled” books by Latino writers into Tucson, and a movement was born. Librotraficante engages in political awareness and activism to urge every state to cultivate “a fuller understanding [...]
When Classroom Discipline Goes Too Far
Budgets in schools have been cut drastically every year for the past decade or so. These cuts are not unfamiliar to us mamis who try to compensate by donating extra supplies or volunteering to help a student who no longer gets a tutor during math class. There are organizations to help keep the arts a [...]
Protect Your Child From Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying—or online bullying on social network sites—is on the rise. Children are most vulnerable to this type of bullying, and the results can be tragic. Too often, we hear about another child or teen who has committed suicide as a result of the shame and torment brought on by cyberbullies. So how do you protect [...]
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Year Round
While Latinos across the country have more opportunities this month to share their own culture, celebrating our Hispanic heritage should truly be a year round adventure to help our children find the comfort and beauty of our rich cultures. So if you are looking for ways to celebrate Hispanic heritage every day, here are some [...]
Open Letter to the Class of 2025
Editor’s note: this is our contribution to an initiative of NEA, who is asking friends of education from across the country to write open letters to the Class of 2025, this year’s incoming kindergarteners. These letters should convey the writers’ dreams, wishes, and visions for these five- and six-year-olds, including what experiences and opportunities public schools [...]
Chicago Teachers Strike: What’s the Ruckus?
Chicago Teachers Strike Day 2: What’s the ruckus? As of late Monday night, the Chicago Teacher’s Union and Chicago School Board officials had yet to reach a contract deal, and it appeared that 350,000 Chicago school kids would get a second unscheduled day off, as the Chicago Teachers Strike continues. Representatives for both sides have [...]
How to Show Your Child’s Teacher That You Care
As an elementary school teacher, at the beginning of each school year, I’m always hopeful that parents will take an interest in their child’s schooling. I hope they’ll come to Orientation Day and introduce themselves to me, or send a note that tells me just a little bit about their child. Small actions like these [...]
Think Twice Before Paying Kids for Good Grades
Have parents succumbed to the same pressure as schools—to push students to get good grades and test scores at all costs? A Time magazine editorial suggests that while more and more parents are paying kids for good grades, they may want to think twice before pulling out their wallets. Fundamentally, writer Suzanna De Baca asserts, [...]
10 Things Teachers Want To Know About Your Kids
Teachers have hopes and goals for creating good relationships with students and parents. To start off the new school year right, there are some basics that most teachers want to know about their students—their learning habits, likes and dislikes, and any circumstances at home that might affect their ability to learn. To help you out, [...]
How To Prepare Your Child For The First Day Of School
No matter how old they are, what grade they’re entering, or which one of my kids it is…. I’m always nervous for my babies on their first day of the new school year. Will they make friends easily? Will they know where to go? Will they like their teacher? Did I get the right supplies? [...]
