For Families

Things you can do now to help your child succeed!

Discuss the future. Ask your child what he/she wants to do after high school. Find out about the courses that are needed for high school graduation and beyond.

Homework is important. There are simple things you can do to show your child that you value education and homework. Set up a regular time for homework and provide your child with a quiet space with good lighting. Try to minimize distractions, such as telephone calls, television, loud music, and disruptions from younger siblings.

Meet the teachers. And the counselors too. Don’t wait for the school to contact you -- especially if you suspect that your child is having trouble with his/her schoolwork.

Find out about supplemental programs. There are many afterschool, weekend, and summer programs where your child can learn more about the subjects that interest him/her. Many of these are available for free or at a low cost. But registration deadlines are early, so plan ahead!

Read, read read! Reading is a survival skill -- not just for school, but also for life. Instead of a subscription to a new cable station, how about a news magazine? Plan family trips to the library and set a good example by selecting books for yourself too!

Play tourist. Visit a college campus -- there’s probably one near you. Call ahead to ask if public tours are available. If you go on a family vacation, visit the colleges in the area.

Special thanks to GEAR UP Hawaii for this information.