When confetti flies, police take action

Kudos to the crack Westminster Police force and its stellar officer Steve Atwood for standing between us citizens and total chaos ("Westminster police rain on former official's parade," Nov. 5).

His actions in the case of 60-year-old Rebecca Orenstein speak volumes for the vigilant and diligent attention to the safety of our fair city by the police.

While open air drug deals occur with regularity in the very neighborhood where Ms. Orenstein lives, our officers spend inordinate amounts of time and energy entrapping "speeders" on Center Street and Uniontown Road.

Now, thank heavens, they have succeeded in charging this former member of the City Council with assault with deadly confetti.

Hurrah for the Westminster Police, our always alert protectors. As for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, she now faces the threat of imprisonment or fine. I for one, now feel safer.

Next, we think we should warn my 9-year-old granddaughter against tossing balloons lest one attack a police officer.

Maybe some one ought to find a way to protect us from our protectors.

What madness.

Dr. Philip S. Benzil

Naomi Benzil

Westminster

Conferencing is key to a student's success

Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 are designated as parent conference days for the Carroll County Public School System. Although schools are closed for students, these two days provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss their child's education.

Parent-teacher conferences are an important part of the educational process. They give the parent and the teacher a chance to collaborate and share information. This exchange benefits the parent, the teacher, and most importantly, the student.

Think of parent-teacher conferences as a partnership you enter into with your child's teacher - a partnership that helps everyone involved succeed.

Parent-teacher conferences can be stressful for parents, but they don't have to be. Just remember that the teacher is there to help you and to discuss how you can help your child do their very best in school. Remember, teachers want your child's school experience to be as positive as possible.

Before you attend a parent-teacher conference, there are steps you can take to ensure that the experience is a positive one. Here are a few tips that the school system's staff have shared with me.

Relax. Parent-teacher conferences can sometimes become a cause for concern for everyone involved. Children may be uncomfortable with the idea of the parent and teacher sitting down and discussing them. Teachers may be a little anxious talking to parents about problems and concerns. Parents may feel uncomfortable talking with their child's teacher and listening to reports of their class work and conduct.

"Is my child doing as well as I had hoped?" "Is he getting along with others in the class?" "Does the teacher think I'm a bad parent?" It's not unusual for any of these questions to cross a parent's mind. Just remember, everyone involved in this process has the same goal - making sure your child is successful.

Talk to your children before the conference. Ask them if they have concerns. Students can provide invaluable insights and have their own perceptions of their performance in the classroom.

Throughout the year, develop a list of questions you want to discuss with the teacher. Keep a collection of your child's work about which you have questions.

At conference time you'll have this information and you'll be ready.

Try to make the most of your time. Parent-teacher conferences do not last very long because teachers are trying to meet with as many parents as possible. Having questions prepared in advance can ensure you get the information you need.

Consider asking the teacher about your child's strongest and weakest subjects. "Is my child working to his or her ability?" "If not, what can we do to change that?" "How can you challenge my child if he or she is excelling?" "How well does my child get along with classmates?" "What can I do at home to extend my child's learning?" "How can I support the teacher's efforts?"

Take notes. This allows you to remember everything the teacher says. It also enables you to share the conversation with your spouse or another guardian of the child. After the meeting, review your notes.

Share helpful information about your child. You know more about your child than anyone else.

Teachers will be grateful for the insights. They need your help as they try to provide the best education possible.

Raise issues of concern. When expressing your concern, communicate the problem as clearly as possible. Listen to what the teacher has to say in response to the problem. Then work together to find a solution.

If needed, plan a follow-up conference. Children will be more concerned about their behavior if they believe their parents care about how they behave. When a parent shows enough concern to put together a plan of action with a teacher, it sends a strong message to the child that he or she is expected to behave at school.

If you have not participated in a parent-teacher conference, please take the time to do so. Conference days are also scheduled for Feb. 7 and Feb. 18.

Effective parent-teacher conferences take place in an atmosphere of trust. Confidentiality is ensured and parents and teachers treat each other with respect. Children are more likely to succeed in school if they can see their parents and teachers working together as partners.

C. Scott Stone

Westminster

The writer is a member of the Carroll County Board of Education.