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Foster your student's group of friends.
The most vulnerable
kid in a school is the loner. Do what you can to keep your kid connected
to his friends.
Know your kids' friends and know ABOUT them.
Know their last
names and where they live. Be able to get in touch with their parents.
Kids are good actors. That nice, polite kid who visits your house may not
always be what she appears.
Be accessible.
Give your child and the school your cell phone
number. If you can't be reached easily at work, invest in a pager. If
there is only one pager; YOU carry it. Tape a quarter somewhere it will
stay for emergencies only. Create a connection to another adult and make
sure it works. Nobody is always available. Your kid, the school and the
alternate adult need to know what to do when you can't be found.
Stay in touch.
The more you know about your child's
environment, the safer they are. They may 'just die' if you go to school.
Go anyway.
Go to parent nights. Go, so everyone knows somebody
cares. It raises your kid's profile. Know when report cards and
newsletters are due and ask for them. Most schools publish these dates at
the beginning of the year.
Update the school computer.
Most schools hand out up-date
cards only once a year. Emergency contacts and up to date contacts that
work, are essential. Current medical, custody, and access to information
instructions, are also be important.
Check up on them.
Check their knapsack, with your eyes and
your nose. Check their money and their stuff. Does it make sense? Where
did they get 'it'? Keep an ear on their phone calls.
Check their
bookmarks. Check the 'history' listing on the computer. Ask older kids
about them.
Make random phone calls to their locations.
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