Our parent’s role in our schoolwork can sometimes be overwhelming. With homework assignments, tests, and projects, our parent’s influence can sometimes be stressful. Whether our parents are laid-back about schoolwork or the type that likes to pressure us to complete assignments and meet expectations, they have an influence on our school experiences that can lead us put forth a negative or positive attitude in our daily lives.
Some students admit that their parents’ pressure on getting good grades is stressful and as a result, it causes them to have a negative attitude about school. Junior Sam Scarpone commented, “Even though parents mean well, sometimes their high expectations can stress me out.” Despite the fact that parents may seem like they don’t understand, more than often they actually do care; they just may be bad at showing it. Sometimes mere good communication between students and parents can help them realize that they can both benefit by working together. Junior Bernadette Land said, “My parent’s don’t care about the letter grade. They just make sure that I understand the material and that I work as hard as I can.” While some parents care more about the effort their daughters devote in their school work over high grade point averages, others push their daughters to surpass expectations. This is where parent teacher conferences chime in to ensure success.
Last Thursday, parent teacher conferences were held after school. Parents and students met with their teachers to discuss their progress and how they can improve throughout the school year. Conferences enable students, parents, and teachers to keep communication and to track progress. Mr. Hart admitted that he didn’t have many students and parents come to meet with him. He said, “The basic reason for school is to learn. If it isn’t working, then it’s time to meet. Students who make the effort to meet with me are the one’s more likely to get the 97s than the ones who don’t.” Despite parents’ frequent overwhelming influence, communication between parents and students, as well as students with their teachers, is an essential ingredient to doing well in school. Parents only want the best of us, and it is our duty to push ourselves towards success not for them, but most importantly, ourselves.