Parents’ Interaction with ISP

It is important that you and your child’s teachers have clear, open communication to help your child with successes and struggles that may occur. At the very least, you will receive weekly e-mails from your child’s teacher, in person parent/teacher conferences in November and March, and a formal report card in November, March and June. In addition, we encourage parents to get involved in class activities (i.e. field trips, class parties, special projects) and to contact the teacher proactively with any questions or concerns – while they are still small questions or concerns! Teachers generally have time for short conversations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school, and can always schedule longer meetings if necessary. If you pick up your child right as school closes, it’s always great just to pop in and say hello.

“The email information I receive from ISP (The Owl, specialist news, teacher emails, English teachers, etc.) is instrumental. My 2nd grader is always impressed when I know what she is talking about in library or what project is coming up in English! It makes it easy to use the vocabulary he is learning through student/learner traits, too. “Wow, that Olympian is really a risk-taker!” “I am trying my best to be open-minded.” “I can tell you have been talking about what it means to be caring.”

We encourage parents, grandparents and special friends to be involved in the school for the benefit of students, the rest of the community, and themselves.

• At a minimum, parents should:
• Keep up to date on their child’s class and school-wide activities
• Keep up to date on their child’s individual schoolwork, homework and progress
• Participate as requested

Other tips:

• Show confidence in the choice you have made for your child, and not become over-anxious if, for example, a well-meaning relative comments that your child seems behind other children in his or her English reading. Tell them you have made a choice for your child to become a global citizen!
• Be modest in your expectations that your child will speak the new language in front of you or your family and friends. Many children don’t like doing this because it is unnatural.
• If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel together to countries where the language is spoken, allow your child to show as much initiative as possible. This produces some delightful moments.
• Children rise to our expectations. Make sure you encourage a positive attitude towards academic achievement, without being unrealistic.
• You can support the school by being an ambassador for us, recommending us to others, and being knowledgeable so that you can refute the sometimes inaccurate or uninformed views of other parents.
• Support the school very concretely by volunteering in a range of roles, and by contributing to the ISP Fund as you are able. We always need additional financial support to enable us to keep our tuition below actual costs.

The most effective way to communicate depends on the subject at hand. For easily answered questions or small concerns, e-mail is the best vehicle. Teachers check it often and will generally respond quickly. However if an e-mail would be long or complicated, or you have a pressing concern, it is much better to set up a time to meet with the teacher and/or administrator in person. Parents can contact any staff member to request a meeting.

At times teachers can have quick conversations at drop-off and pick-up, but it is best not to count on these times as there will be other people around and the teacher may have other meetings.

Please do not let concerns grow unaddressed. Address any concern directly with your child’s teacher. If your concern is not resolved, please speak with the Head of School or Head of Early Childhood.