Visitation Day provides parents an opportunity to witness school life

Other volunteer opportunities encourage parental involvement throughout the year

A group of parents listen to a classroom discussion during Visitation Day at the middle/high school.

Dec. 7, 2009—Ever wonder what a typical school day is like for your middle school or high school student?

Nancy Damato, parent of a Duanesburg sixth-grader, recently got a first-hand look inside the classroom activities offered at the middle school when she attended Visitation Day in early November.

Damato proudly watched as her sixth-grade son stood before his entire class to describe the Egyptian pyramid he created at home using sugar cubes. In turn, she said he was excited about her visiting his classes.

The Duanesburg Central School District hosts Visitation Day in recognition of American Education Week, established by the National Education Association to highlight the importance of providing a quality public education to all children. Each year, Duanesburg’s schools welcome parents and community members to visit the middle/high school and elementary school on separate dates in November.

While many elementary parents take advantage of this annual event, Duanesburg High School Principal Beth DeLuke would like to see an increase in participation at the middle/high school.

“Visitors at the secondary level are most often parents of sixth-graders, particularly if the child is the oldest sibling,” said DeLuke. “I think they’re most interested in observing the class dynamic and watching teachers interact with students.”

According to DeLuke, the discrepancy may be attributed to the events’ proximity to open house and parent-teacher conferences, or the possibility that teenagers may discourage their parents from becoming overly involved in school.

However, ongoing research shows that parental involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents’ confidence in their children’s education.

Unlike open house and parent-teacher conferences, parents visit regularly scheduled classes throughout the day—and observe their child(ren) in action as they engage in class discussions, participate in hands-on projects for core courses and specials, interact with peers, teachers and support staff, and deal with the intricacies of school life today.

“You hear about their school life, but it’s nice to experience the real thing,” said Wendy Wenzel, who was visiting her sixth-grade daughter.

Teresa Munson said she hears a lot about school at the dinner table, but wanted to actually see her child’s world now that she’s in the middle school.

“We would love to have more parents involved and in attendance whether it’s during Visitation Day or at other events throughout the year,” said DeLuke. “There are plenty of opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom—not just at the elementary school, but at the secondary level as well.”

For example, an extra set of hands would be very helpful during science lab activities at the high school.

Parents' may contact their child's teachers to let them know they are interested in helping in the classroom or with fundraising activities.