"When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need"

Fix You by Coldplay

Hi Reader!

It's Mid September which probably means you're starting to figure out what's going to be a problem this school year.

Maybe you're feeling "blah" about your child's teacher, perhaps the new principal is changing school rules, or maybe you live in Charlotte like me and the School Board is in the midst of a huge money scandal (who's watching the school board meeting tonight at 6pm??)

When and How Should You Jump In?

There's levels to this-

1️⃣ Teacher / Classroom Problems:

• In most cases, I think it's best to contact your child's teacher first.
• If your child is in 3rd grade or up, I highly encourage you to involve your child in the problem solving.
• You build trust with teachers and school administrators by talking to the teacher first. You are on a team with your child's teacher, they aren't your enemy.
• Follow up a few weeks later to check in

2️⃣ School Level Problems:

Maybe you've got a classroom issue that's not getting resolved, a larger policy changed in the school, or there's a concern in PE class outside of your usual teacher. This is a time to talk with school admin.

• This is a great reason to get friendly with school administrators. It helps to have conversations, say hi in the hallway, and send a friendly email here and there before issues come up. The anxiety of meeting someone for the first time while you're upset can really make things harder.
• Consider contacting the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students. You'll likely get assigned to one of these people. Every school handles these issues differently.
• Be Brief...but thorough. Include important dates, names of staff, briefly what happened, and how this impacts your child's wellbeing or academics. Share what you hope the resolution will be and if you'd like a meeting request that.
• Follow up and be patient. School admin are super busy, help them help you!

3️⃣ District Level Problems:

Schools are made for their communities. Whether you're at a private, charter, or public school parent and community involvement is key!

• Watch Out: Keep an eye on PTA meetings, School Board meetings etc. Even if you aren't attending, keeping an eye on these things. Little things add up, and you can form opinions faster if you know the history.
• Make Noise: You don't have to be PTA president to make a difference. In fact, I'd argue a lot of PTA presidents need your help. I'm personally inspired by K Needs Play and Schools Beyond Screens which are parent initiatives making real change in Charlotte Schools.
• Lead: Maybe it's time you ran for office, help a position with the PTA, or started a volunteer group. If you're talking about this- go do something. And shoot me an email to keep me posted!

What's New?

🍎 Tomorrow!: If you're stuck on google trying to find out logistics about Charlotte schools, then you need the workshop so you can be ready for School Application Season. It's virtual, so you can get the replay if you can't attend live.

📚October Story Times:

• Friday 10/9 at 9:30am - Betty's Bookworms​
• Saturday 10/10 at 10am: Halloween Story Time at The Batch House (wear your costume!)

Things I Love

🎸 Rock On: Last week I picked out this story to read in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Great for kids through 4th grade, especially if they are learning an instrument. It's a cute Spanglish story about a girl learning to play guitar. I paired it with some electric guitar riffs and the kids loved it.

🦸‍♀️ Hero Status: Halloween candy is feeling a little expensive this year. Sorry kids- no chocolate at the Primary Focus house 😮‍💨 But for $10 you can get 60 full size airheads (pro tip- hit "ship to me" and usually 24 hours shipping is free!). You'll look like a superhero to the neighborhood kids

🍂 Best Smelling Home: This candle co makes the best smelling candles. I have the entire autumn line. Within 10 minutes of lighting "fuzzy socks (my fav!) the whole house smells amazing. I'm currently burning "cider festival." Delightful!

Hope to see you at the workshop tomorrow!