Schools and parents have an important and complex relationship. While Hauser students take on the adolescent task of self-exploration and growth toward greater independence, parents grapple to define their changing role as they continue to best support their child. I’m sure many of you would agree that the nature of this unique developmental phase leads to challenges in maintaining effective home-school relationships.

It is not unusual for parent involvement to diminish at the junior high school level. In their enthusiasm to establish themselves as individuals, students may resist parents’ efforts at school involvement. Parents may not clearly envision how they fit in to this transitional phase of their child’s schooling.

As Mary Jo has so correctly pointed out, student success is positively impacted when families and schools work together. In fact, a study by Henderson and Berla (1994) concludes that “the most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which the student’s family is able to: 1) create a home environment that encourages learning; 2) express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers; and 3) become involved in their children’s education at school and in the community.”

As I assume the Hauser principalship, I welcome the opportunity to promote and improve the home-school connection. I will enjoy working with you to determine the most effective ways that parents and the school can join hands to support our students in a developmentally appropriate way.

Best wishes for a wonderful school year,

Leslie Berman