Curriculum night gets parents and teachers involved

Parents often wonder what their kids do for eight hours on school days at Spring Creek Elementary but curriculum night is the perfect night for parents to see the educational process first hand.

Karen Leonardi, the schools principal, and other members of the staff invited parents to see the school and find out what the kids will be learning all year long.

“It’s a great opportunity for parents to meet with the teachers and know that every educational minute counts and their participation is crucial,” said Leonardi, who introduced teachers to parents during the informal gathering.

The school that teaches kindergarten through fifth grade held the night to show parents the importance of attendance, grades and what new programs had been added to the school year.

“It’s a very informal session and parents will be able to ask any questions and nothing is better than talking one-to-one,” Leonardi said. “That connection between home and school is very effective.”

During the night, parents spent time getting to know their children’s teachers and what their classrooms looked like.

Kristy Nelson is one of the first grade teachers who talked to parents about vocabulary, reading skills and what students should be practicing at home.

“It’s important they come to know what their child is doing all day and what they are learning so they can reinforce it at home,” Nelson said.

Being able to assist his child when her mom isn’t available is why Mike Walsh came to curriculum night.

“It’s great because I like to be involved and this is an easy way to see what is going on at her school,” said Walsh, of Estero, who has a six-year-old Jessica. “Her mom usually is very involved and I think it’s great to have this interaction because parents and teachers should do this more.”

Meeting on a regular basis with parents is also a chance for the school to inform students about new programs that require parent permission or involvement.

“We are adding things all the time and even our Roaring Readers program is growing with offerings for the little ones,” said Leonardi, about the reading program geared toward teaching parents how to make reading a regular part of their children’s lives. “Parents are helpful and they always want to know new ways to help.”

After question and answer sessions with parents and teachers, students had the opportunity to show off their latest test scores, assignments and class projects.

“I love it. It helps because we know what she is doing here and what she needs to know,” said Kathy Phillips, of Bonita Springs. Her daughter Delaney, 8, is a third grade gifted student. “We want to know how to help at home so anything we can do we will.”