Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/81027
FEATURE TEACHERS SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SUCCESS OF STUDENTS. PARENTS AND Parents like Jacqueline DaVolio, pictured here with her daughter Jessica, believe working with teachers is important through high school. Keeping parents in the loop helps students succeed By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Photos by Scott Buschman M Richard Neffson September 2012 www.cta.org 9 junior. "So I did. My grade went from a B minus to a B plus. I was surprised when he called, but I think it shows how much he cares." Richard Neffson, her teacher at Rancho Cotate High School, believes "He told them that I was slacking off and needed to work harder," says the high school ichelle Wright was very surprised when her AP U.S. history teacher telephoned her parents at the beginning of the school year just to say hello. She was shocked when he called them a few months later to say she wasn't doing her best. parent-teacher communication helps students succeed at any age, though it may be more important with teens. "I call parents early in the year to introduce myself, and parents appre- ciate that," says Neffson, Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association. "The first contact is always positive. Then I build on that to keep parents updated, whether it's good or bad. Most express appreciation when I let them know how their son or daughter is doing. I send out letters, e-mails, and copies of actual assignments that are due. I also have parent confer- ences when necessary. "