the parents

The parents of our little lovelies play a huge role in just how lovely they really are.  In a classroom where some parents do not even know what classes their son or daughter is enrolled in to the poor students whose parents walk them to each of theses classes, it is difficult to determine what to expect from parents.  My students with the "it's just art" attitude usually do not have the parental support for succeeding in all classes including art.  I have actually participated in the behavioral problem phone-call home and received this in an earful.  Given that art is an elective, do the students accountability to be respectful and teachable go out the window?  I think not.  This parent did not understand by little Billy couldn't just draw all period and get an A.  It's a CLASS!! And, a college prep one at that!  He, just like the rest of the class needs to participate in all parts of the academia, not just what they deem necessary.  On the brighter side, parents can be an amazing resource for the students and for the teachers.  Making sure that their child is prepared everyday is a start, and makes a huge difference, especially in the art classroom, where unfortunately students must provide some of their own materials.  Parents that ensure these materials are available on time, usually are the ones that encourage their students to take every class seriously and for all its worth!   There is so much more to say about parents, both positive and negative... I will try to touch on their effect on the kids as much as possible.