Tips for Parents/Guardians and Students

Successful learners... 

• Attend and participate in school every day, arriving on time and prepared to learn!
• Bring their reader's workshop book and student planner to every class, every day.
• Ask for help when they need it!  Remember, all of the staff members at Risdon are here to help you reach your full potential.  Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers and/or counselor about ways we can support you!
• Check their grades through Skyward Student and/or Family Access.  If you need your username and password, contact the main office.

Here are some tips for what families can do to support your student(s)*

Did you know when families are involved, students are more likely to:
Attend school regularly
Pass more classes and earn more credits
Display more positive attitudes about school
Refrain from destructive activities, such as alcohol, drug use, and violence
Graduate from high school

*Source: National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, 2006 

• Let your student know that you value education as an important part of their future.
• Communicate with your student's teachers and let them know you want to be involved.
• Check your student's school planner regularly for homework assignments.
• Set aside time every day for your student to complete homework and .
• Make sure your student completes his/her homework and studies for quizzes and tests.
• Talk to your student about the highlights and lowlights that happened at school that day.
• Help your student use problem-solving skills in difficult situations.  Ask your student, "How might you move through this situation?" as opposed to telling your student exactly what to do, and then discuss your student's ideas for next steps.
• Know your student's friends and their families.
• Communicate with your student's school counselor if you feel your student needs extra support or is facing a specific challenge.
• Access Skyward Family Access.  If you need your username and password, contact the main office.

How do I help my student with homework when I'm not available after school?
 
Risdon Middle School will have homework clubs available after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The Newcastle branch of the King County Library System (east on Newcastle Way from school) also has resources and programs that can help your student complete their assignments.  Please refer to the After-School Programs on this website.
 
How do I help my student with homework when I don't know the answers?
 
You can help your student by setting aside time and a quiet place that is just for doing homework.  Check over assignments and ask questions of your student--your child will learn even more from teaching the concepts from the assignment to you! You may also guide your student on accessing additional resources, such as through the public library or online... consider reinforcing with your student the need to consider the accuracy of various online sources. 
 
What if my student says there is no homework?
 
Check your student's school planner which should have the assignments written down for each class. Then, ask to see each assignment and ask questions about it.  All of our teachers update their students' grades regularly.  Finally, feel free to communicate with your student's teachers about any missing or incomplete assignments, or if you're just unsure.
 

• The Daily Bulletin will be accessible by parents/guardians and students every day from the Risdon Middle School website. The Daily Bulletin contains important information about life at Risdon and is a great place to start if you have questions about topics related to upcoming events, clubs, athletics, and more.

  
  Access Skyward Family Access.  If you need your username and password, contact the main office.