Dear Downeast School Families,

The Downeast School staff is honored that we have the privilege of being part of your child’s educational journey.  The foundations we establish together in these early years will serve these students for the rest of their lives.  We want to work closely with parents to give students the opportunity to experience the joy of learning.  As you read through the other pages on this website, you will learn more about the many opportunities your child will have at the Downeast School to excel academically and to become more involved in the many activities the school offers.  This page is dedicated to providing information for parents.

The research is clear that parental involvement has a positive effect on a child’s education.  It’s never too soon to get started!  Throughout the year, the school will offer parent nights to help you learn more about the curriculum and about how you can support your child’s learning at home.  The Downeast School has a very active PTO that meets regularly to create opportunities to support the learning of all students at our school.  The PTO welcomes new members.  Additionally, each year, we train approximately 50 volunteers to work at school events and in classrooms.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the school.

Parent involvement in education begins at home.  Talk to your child about their school day.  Look in the Downeast School newsletters to learn more about what each grade is studying.  Find time each day to read to your child (or let them read to you!).  Encourage your child to write often. This can be as organized as a daily journal or as informal as notes to you or lists for groceries.  Practice math facts often.  Children who know their basic math facts are able to concentrate their brain power on challenging math activities.  Talk to your child about the world around them.  Having a strong vocabulary is important when learning new concepts.    Additional ways to ensure opportunities for success are to keep children rested,  make sure they get to school on time every day,  check in with teachers regularly, oversee homework, be positive about education, have high expectations and keep strong home and school connections.

When parents like you do the things you’re doing to support your child, students thrive, classrooms flourish and performance improves.

Thank you again for your continued involvement in your child’s education.