Periodically the Dearborn Public Schools provides us a column from Supt. Brian Whiston as a means to communicate information to the Dearborn community.

His latest column begins below

Supt. Brian Whiston

Do you remember learning to ride a bike or teaching a child how to ride a bike? It usually starts with riding a tricycle, then a bike with training wheels. The next step is to take one of the training wheels off the bike, and finally, someone will steady the bike, only letting go once the rider is balancing on their own. The key to success, in not only learning how to ride a bike but in all types of activities in our work and social lives, is following a step by step process.

Our district has an enrollment process, an employment process, and a grading process, just to name a few, that ensure the smooth operation of our schools. When things don’t go according to plan we also have a process in place to solve problems and make corrections. As a parent, if you have a concern, question, or a more serious issue regarding your child, it’s important for you to know that the district has a process in place to help you resolve these matters.

Your child’s teacher is the best place to start. They are the expert when it comes to your child’s classroom experience and the best person to start with when you have a concern. If the issue is between your child and a teacher, then the next person who can provide help is the building principal. Principals have the advantage of knowing the teacher, student, and other building related conditions. Ninety-five percent of the time the teacher and principal, working together with the parent and student, will be successful at solving the problem.

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