Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 26, 2011 Area Your child’s first report card of the year can set the tone for the rest of the school year. If he or she brings one home that causes concern, Heather Ottagali of the Ridgewood Huntington Learning Center said the best thing to do is act early. “If your child’s report card is a big surprise, the first thing you should do is arrange a meeting with his or her teacher,” said Ottagali. “He or she is your best resource to helping your child and will offer you strategies and ideas to help your child overcome problem areas.” To make the most out of a meeting with your child’s teacher, Ottagali suggests jotting down discussion topics beforehand. Here are several questions to ask: What are the best ways for me to help at home? If your child’s report card mentions his or her lack of participation in class or unwillingness to collaborate with classmates, ask how you can work with your child on these things. If he or she receives a low grade, get a sense of what is contributing to the problem and what role you should take in helping your child do better. What should I expect of my child at home? Certainly every student is different, but the teacher should be able to offer you a general idea of what your student should do at home. How much time should he or she spend on homework each night? How much assistance should you be providing? Can you give me examples? The teacher reports that your child needs to follow directions better. Ask the teacher for specific instances of your child not doing so, so you can understand the situation. If your child received Tips for taking action at report card time a poor grade in language, request to see samples of his or her class work and homework to see for yourself what he or she is doing wrong -- or failing to do -- as well as what he or she is doing well. Are there any signs that my child has any learning issues? There may be many factors contributing to your child’s poor school performance, but if your child is struggling with basic skills or reading, or having difficulty concentrating or retaining information, the teacher may suggest supplemental education. In a busy classroom with many other students, it can be difficult for a teacher to give struggling students the one-on-one attention needed. A diagnostic tutoring program may help correct any issues that are getting in the way of your child’s learning. What should be my next steps and yours? Make a plan together to help your child and lay out how the two of you will keep each other apprised of your child’s progress. Discuss the best way to communicate about any homework or other issues. Talk to the teacher about measuring improvement between now and the next report card. Ottagali also reminds parents that any interaction with your child’s teacher should be a two-way conversation, as he or she may also have questions for you. “Just as you want to learn what your child’s teacher thinks about your child’s struggles, he or she could benefit greatly from your parental insight and support,” said Ottagali. “Share information with your child’s teacher that may help him or her understand your child better. Be sure to stay in contact throughout the school year. By working together, you can help your child improve his or her grades and learn to enjoy school and learning.” For more information about Huntington Learning Center, contact Heather Ottagali at (201) 447-1200. Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s longest-running supplemental education services provider, and a pioneer and leader in the franchise learning center arena. Huntington, which helps tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through grade 12, provides instruction in reading, writing, spelling, phonics, mathematics, study skills, and one-to-one instruction in SAT and ACT preparation. Huntington prides itself on its unparalleled programs which specialize in helping parents, caregivers, and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential, and in providing a personalized program of instruction to enable children to excel. To learn more, or to locate a center near you, call 1-800 CAN LEARN. The Wyckoff Family YMCA, 691 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff will host its first Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This holiday season preview will bring vendors selling a myriad of quality products including, jewelry, handbags, pottery, children’s Wyckoff Family YMCA hosts Holiday Marketplace apparel, toys, housewares, folk art, fine art, and hair and fashion accessories. There is no admission fee. A portion of all sales will benefit the Y’s community outreach programs.