I just want to express to you my immense gratitude for what I have gained from being part of the Cyber Parent program....I am finishing my Master's as well as working full-time (and a single mother!), but having my laptop and internet service at home has been a HUGE help in completing my Master's classes...I think Forward in the Fifth is such a wonderful organization, and I can't give enough thanks for the way it has touched my own life in an immeasurably helpful way!

Erin
 
 
 

  
 
Parent Center

Every generation of students becomes a little more knowledgeable than the previous generation.  It's a natural process and one that should be embraced.  Parents, guardians and sometimes grandparents are an integral part of student learning.  As such, you should always encourage your student to take their education as far as they can.  As the business world becomes increasingly complex, it's important that students not only have life skills, but the skills they will need to succeed in today's job market.  The more education a student has, the more opportunities they will have to succeed. The Parent Center is just beginning and many more tools will soon become available.  But for now, become your student's #1 fan and remember, to always encourage your student to take their education as far as they can. 

Homework Help
If your student needs help with homework follow this link to several online resources that may help you answer questions. 
 
Parent-Teacher Conferences
One of the best ways to show your student that you care about education and your student's performance is by participating in Parent-Teacher conferences.  These conferences are an easy way to get to know the people who spend hours with your student five days a week during the school year. This should be a two-way conference where each can learn the other's expectations regarding the student and get a good assessment of current performance. But the dialogue shouldn't end there.  Make sure you stay in regular contact with teachers following the conference.  Want to know how to prepare for a Parent-Teacher conference, go here. 

Career Clusters

The Individual Graduation Plan is designed around Kentucky’s 14 Career Clusters. These clusters include several occupations that share common characteristics and job duties. Information about Kentucky's Career Clusters and how they tie in with individual graduation plans can be found by going here.

 
College Admission
Opportunities for college and university admission require that students meet a variety of guidelines including, but not limited to, preparation and completion of certain high school subjects, minimum ACT or SAT scores, and a variety of other factors.  General guidelines for college admission and financial aid can be found by going here.   
 
Bullying
Bullying is a problem in many schools.  If you have a student who has been bullied or know someone who has, go here to find out what you should do.  
 
Individual Learning Plans

Beginning the 2006-2007 school year, middle and high school students in Kentucky schools have a new online education planning tool at their fingertips. The  new web-enabled  Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will help secondary students (grades 6-12) better focus their coursework on individual goals as they prepare for postsecondary studies and careers. An overview of the ILP can be seen following this link to the Kentucky Department of Education website.

 
Individual Graduation Plan Folders
Individual Graduation Plan Folders are designed for students to use in academic and career planning.  The folder is designed to help students focus on the connection between course work and goals after high school. The folders can be found at the Kentucky Department of Education website by following this link. 

Parent Power Tips 
 
Be a proactive school volunteer
Continue learning during the summer
Establish a school year routine
Have fun and learn on snow days 
Help your child prepare for tests 
How to help with homework
How to start the school year off right
Know your rights as a parent
Spread the word to parents and the media
Understand Kentucky's system for school accountability
Understand Kentucky's system for student assessment
Understand the differences between No Child Left Behind and Kentucky's Assessment and Accountability System
Your rights as a grandparent  

Home School
This  web-site contains information people need on home schooling, whether it is a guide to home school requirements or best practices, including sample forms for record-keeping, reading lists for more information, and questions beginning home-schoolers may have.  For more information, go here.