with Donette Ruffin,MS

Tuesday, the 7th of October 2008

chatadmin: Hello Everyone, The topic for tonight's chat is "How to Help Adoptive & Foster Children Transition Into a New School Environment". Our speaker this evening is Donette Ruffin. Ms. Ruffin is a former teacher, Elementary Supervisor, retired Elementary School Principal, and presently an Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Buffalo.

chatadmin: Good Evening Everyone

druffin: Good evening

spaige1: good evening

chatadmin: Ms. Ruffin, What might be considered the most important question foster/adoptive parents can share with school personnel?

JenniferLand: evening

WylieD: what are some tools available to assist parents with preparing kids for a new school environment

druffin: In the case of adoptive parents: Does the child know he/she is adopted

druffin: In the case of foster parents: who has the legal right to visit children in school or take children out of school or discuss with school personnel the child's performance

druffin: Tools: Many schools have sessions where they invite parents of foster children to meet and discuss ways to help students acclimate to the new school setting.

druffin: Parents can also find out what the school requires of both students and parents so they are aware of specific procedures and expectations

chatadmin: How can schools support students who are often moved from one school to another due to changes in foster care placements?

druffin: Many schools have school handbooks that they share with new parents explaining information and expectations

druffin: Some teachers assign a study buddy to new students

druffin: These students assist the new student in learning the classroom and school routines

druffin: Most important - teachers need to make the student feel welcome. smile - tell them how glad they are now a part of the classroom

daphne12: How much information are foster parents privilege to regarding their school records.

druffin: As a foster parent you have the right to information regarding student records because you are their legal guardian. Some districts may require that a social worker is with you when this information is discussed

druffin: You will receive report cards, progress reports, be encouraged and expected to attend parent-teacher conferences

cathy: In some cases I have found that foster parents are uncomfortable sharing information about their child being a foster child, they are afraid that child will be labeled as a troubled child. How should that be handled?

druffin: You will be notified regarding student behavior issues and be expected to attend any disciplinary meetings

druffin: This is unfortunate when it happens. However, honesty is the best way to handle the issue. If a child has a problem, the school is going to find out soon enough. Explaining what you know about a child and also how you handle situations is the best way to communicate with those in the school

druffin: In this way you can advocate for the child and help those in the school if and when situations arise.

daphne12: Can we get the child started on an IEP

spaige1: What is the normal time for a child's records to be transferred from one school to the other if they are in the within the same county? ?

druffin: Foster parents may request testing to get students started on the road to IEPs

druffin: Some districts my require the social worker to be a part of the IEP process

druffin: Foster parents are invited to attend all meetings regarding this process

cathy: Transiting into a new school is never easy for any child, but for a foster child what would be some suggestions for the foster parent on how to make the transition easier?

druffin: Schools request the transfer of records when students are enrolled in a new school.

druffin: Sometimes this takes longer if clerical staff is back logged. You can request copies of student records to make this process a little easier.

druffin: Transition made easier: Try to find out about the school before the child attends. If possible, try to meet the child's teacher before the child arrives.

druffin: Tell the child something you know about the school or the classroom that will encourage him or her to look forward to going to that school. Maybe they have a great music program

druffin: Sending the child to school with the necessary materials and supplies also helps them to fit in quickly. They feel they are a part of things from the start.

daphne12: If the child has not been in school for 3 months or 6, how can we make him/her see the importance of school

druffin: Letting the child know that you are going to keep in touch with his/her teacher also sets the tone for on-going communication and your foster child knows this.

cathy: thanks

druffin: Start from now. What has happened in the past is over. They are going to make a new start. Be positive about the good things that they are going to be involved in at school. Assure them that they can catch up.

druffin: Many children who have missed school are afraid of failure.

druffin: Encouragement is the key. They will need your support and guidance to help them believe that they can achieve.

cspivey: - has joined the chat -

Shannon H: - has joined the chat -

daphne12: Will they be put in with the same class and have time to catch up

druffin: Find out how you can help them at home . Stop by school to check up on them. Just stopping by to give them a thumbs up can be encouragement

druffin: That depends on the time of year and district expectations. Some assessment of their progress should be made before they are placed. Let the school know you are aware of this

druffin: If you are not satisfied, ask for an explanation as to how they arrived at the placement

chatadmin: What kinds of things might parents/teachers do to foster positive home-school relationships?

druffin: High stakes testing has become a big thing in today's education programming. Try to find out as much as you can about which tests are given and when and the impact these scores will have on your child's progress, promotion from grade to grade and graduation requirements

druffin: Keep in communication with each other. Teachers need to send home progress reports and positive communication. Parents need to expect to hear from teachers on a regular basis, not just when there is a problem

cathy: Many foster parents have children with learning delays, what should that foster parent do to help that child ?

druffin: Share info re the child's likes, dislikes, attitudes, fears, mood swings etc. Some children do not like to be touched. A teacher that likes to give hugs needs to know this

druffin: First, find out what the school offers for children with these concerns, Support their programs and strategies. If this is not the case (it should be) talk to the principal about strategies that can work at home depending upon what the specific delay may be

druffin: Special services for students in schools many times depend on funding

druffin: Check with the medical personnel, many delays have other sources that can be tapped in other areas in addition to school

chatadmin: We are getting close to the end of the hour. Are there any final questions for Ms. Ruffin?

cathy: Thanks for sharing this information with us, it will be very helpful as we assist families.

druffin: Know your child's teachers and support the school's programs. Insist your child does the very best he or she can at all times and always tell them how proud you are of them and their accomplishments. When parents support teachers and teachers support parents all children benefit

Shannon H: - has left the chat -

druffin: Thank You

spaige1: Thank you for your time and information, it has been very helpful! Ms. Ruffin

JenniferLand: thanks for sharing this information

chatadmin: Thank you Ms. Ruffin and everyone who participated in the session this evening.