[9dstpm]

To All Saginaw Parents: In 2 weeks, a new school year will begin. I will now offer you some tips to keep you and your child out of my office at the agency:

1. Do Not Wait Until Report Card Time To Get Involved In Your Child's Education: I hear the excuses all the time: "I work full time!" (so do I), "I'm a single parent!" (so am I) and they go on and on. It's about PRIORITIES!!! If you think Daquanavious' education is important enough for you to perhaps take a vacation day or two and see what he's doing at school, then maybe he'll think school is important.

2. It's Not ALWAYS The School's Job: this is especially for the parents who have chronic truants. If you know that little Lavitashanay likes to skip school, don't depend on the school to always call and tell you or send you a letter. You know your child; YOU call and make sure she's there and if she's not, put the smackdown on her!!

3. Don't Wait if Your Child Needs Help: I have so many parents who come in to see me, telling me that their child is failing school and now they need help. Problem is, it's the end of the school year and any help that little Hennesey needs would be too little, too late. There is nothing wrong in asking for help. There are lots of free or low-cost programs that will help your child if they are struggling in school, and all you have to do is ask!!

Hopefully, following these tips will ensure that you and your child will have a successful school year and me some stress-free days at work!