Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I would like to have a parent-teacher conference with all of my child's teachers. Who do I contact to schedule an appointment?
A. Contact your child's guidance counselor. Refer to the Contact page of this Web site.
Q. My child says that they did not have any homework, how will I know?
A. Check your child's agenda book. If there was no homework assigned for class that night, your child should have written the word, "none" in their agenda book for that subject.
Q. My child says that they did all of their homework at school, how will I know?
A. It is highly unlikely that your child would have had enough time to complete all of their homework at school. Children are given about 2 hours of homework nightly. Ask your child to show them the completed assignment. Check this against what was written in the agenda book. You can now rest assured that your child has completed the assignment.
Q. My child was absent from school, how will they find out what they missed and get caught-up?
A. Have your child check out the homework page of this Web site. Alternatively, each student in my classes select two homework buddies to call. They list the names of the homework buddies and their phone numbers in their agenda book. Have them call their homework buddy to find out what they missed. If there are any handouts needed, have your child see Mr. Walker during the school day on the first day back from their absence to get any handouts. If they need extra assistance, have them see Mr. Walker for help.
Q. I have a hard time motivating my child to do their school work, what can I do?
A. Build in some positive rewards for completing school work. You know what your child likes, so use these areas for rewards. For example, if all assignments are completed tonight, an extra 30 minutes of TV or video game playing time can be given to them as a reward. If a child has had things taken away as a punishment, consider gradually granting back privileges for completing nightly assignments.
Q. My child is having problems with a peer, what can I do to help?
A. Let Mr. Walker know that your child is having problems with a peer. Talk to your child about possible solutions. Peer mediation is available at Kingsview to help students resolve problems peacefully. You may also want to contact your child's guidance counselor.
Q. My child has difficulty staying organized, and often loses their homework before they get a chance to turn it in. What can I do to help them stay organized?
A. Check your child's binder and school supplies nightly. Be sure they have all of the recommended supplies. Be sure their binder is in good shape, and that each class has a separate section in the binder. Avoid using multiple binders for each class--this only adds to how much they have to keep organized. Also, avoid using folders, as students tend to stuff papers randomly in them, and papers can easily fall out and get lost. Provide a consistent place and time for them to complete their school work at home. Supervise their homework time. Check their papers to be sure they are headed correctly with their name, date, subject, period, and teacher name in the upper right-hand corner. Check to make sure they have filed their papers in the correct section of the binder (science papers in the science section, math in the math section, etc.). Be sure they place completed homework in the front of the binder to turn in the next class period. Use post-it notes as reminders to turn in things. By providing this structure, your child is learning how to maintain organization.
Q. My child has been diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Disorder or A.D.D. How can I ensure my child's success?
A. A.D.D. or A.D.H.D can be a real challenge for children both at home and in the classroom. If your child's physician has prescribed a medication, be sure to provide the correct dosage at the prescribed time(s) of day. Many of these medications take some time to build up in the body to begin working effectively. Avoid giving medication only during the school days of the week, and not on weekends and holidays. Be consistent. If the child needs medication during the school day, be sure to inform the school nurse and provide an adequate supply. Your child will come down to the health room to take their medication. Be sure to have your child's doctor provide regular check-ups as your child grows. Dosage amounts will change as your child's body size and weight increase. It is very helpful if you can inform your child's teachers of the diagnosis. Teachers have a variety of techniques designed to help students with attentional difficulties. Like most children, kids with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. benefit from clear and consistent structure. It is also helpful to have daily routines for completing homework, studying, and completing family responsibilities. Be sure to take advantage of support groups and organizations such as CH.A.D.D. (Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders). The CH.A.D.D. Web address is http://www.chadd.org/. They can be very helpful in providing information and techniques that work. Your child's doctor may also have literature that will provide you with some strategies to try at home.