District U-46 launches online parent resource

Homework help. Everyday math. State standards and student testing. High school academies. There is so much information that requires a parent's attention as they raise their children and work to ensure their child's success in school.

School District U-46 is offering a new online resource to help parents, u-46.org/parents, in gathering a variety of information for parents of early learners, elementary, middle, and high school students.

"Our goal is to provide resources for all parents, realizing that parents are our partners in the education of their child," said José M. Torres, superintendent of School District U-46.

For example, the number of different standardized tests that students take can oftentimes become confusing for parents. On the new parent Web site, U-46 boils down the purpose of many of these exams and provides links where parents can go to learn additional information.

For parents of young learners, parents can obtain tips on how they can support student learning. They can obtain information on gifted education, before- and after-school programs, and information on positive behavior.

Parents of high school students can learn more about graduation requirements, dual credit classes and view an online video regarding Advanced Placement.

The announcement comes as the district mails its second issue of Home Pages, a new parent newsletter, to families across U-46. Articles featured in the Fall 2008 issues include:

Superintendent gets to work; programs for youngest learners focus on language; an examination of registration fees which was recently performed by the U-46 Citizens' Advisory Council; an in-depth look into the U-46 high school academies; helping children transition to new school settings and demands; program offers parents support for before- and after-school care; calendar of events; and profiles of school principals who are new to U-46.

"Our new parent Web site and parent newspaper are two of the ways we will continue to engage our parents and our communities," Torres added.

Home Pages also is available online at u-46.org/cnt/docs/Fall08-HomePages.pdf.