Whether it is through reading to their children and helping with homework assignments, or becoming engaged in school fundraisers and events, parents of students attending Catholic schools across the Diocese of Camden are partners in the education and faith formation of their children.
“Parents are a child’s first and foremost teacher. Faith begins in the home, and by choosing a Catholic school, we reinforce those root beliefs,” said Patti Paulsen, principal of Holy Angels Catholic School, Woodbury. “Parents are an extension of the school, and by being active in your child’s education, it will be much more rewarding.”
Paulsen said that parents play a critical role in supporting their child’s education by communicating with teachers, helping to plan activities for the school and volunteering to spend time in the classroom with students. Parents also attend Masses and various events that take place in the school community.
“Parents are engaged … by working hand in hand with the teachers to reinforce the academics and practice our faith,” she said. “Parents participating in the education and faith of their children is crucial.”
Margie Doyle is the mother of two Catholic school children – Hailey, a sophomore at Paul VI High School, Haddonfield, and Jack, who is a fifth-grader at Holy Angels. Doyle attends PTO meetings, volunteers at school functions and has built relationships with other parents; she also remains engaged in her children’s education through keeping up-to-date with notifications from teachers.
“It is easier to participate in school functions at Holy Angels because it’s our home parish and we live in the community. Seeing the teachers and families of classmates at Mass on Sundays and around town helps grow the sense of community and brings comfort seeing familiar faces,” said Doyle, who adds that staying engaged with the school reinforces to children that parents care and learning is important. “If we don’t ask questions and take an active interest in their education, they may be more likely to place less importance on their education.”
Leading by Example
At Saint Joseph Regional School, Somers Point, teachers and administrators urge parents to be partners by communicating the needs of their children to teachers, and by reviewing information and handouts that are shared.
“We ask that parents support our efforts by establishing routines at home that support their child or children in being successful in school. The establishment of a place to keep all materials needed to do homework is a good example of this,” said principal Dr. Janice DeCicco Fipp. “Talking to their children about what is found on their Google Classroom sites or within homework assignments is also important. Parents continually support us by talking to their children about always doing their best academically and behaviorally in school.”
Dr. Fipp said that teachers encourage parents to attend Mass weekly with their children, and also to take time to read to their kids. They are also invited to serve as room parents, join the PTO and advancement committees, and help plan and participate in various events.
Christine Ulrich is the school’s advancement director, and is also the parent of two students. Her children started in Pre-K at the school and are now in the fourth and sixth grades. On a regular basis, Ulrich makes sure homework and projects are completed on time.
“While the role of parent shifts as our children age, our unwavering support should be a constant,” she said. “I have always felt that getting involved and volunteering at school sets a good example for our children on what it means to give back and do for others. The best thing we can do for our children is to love, encourage and show them what it means to be a good citizen.”
Ulrich said that parents are very active in the school community, as they work alongside teachers and administrators to make sure all of the children succeed.
Fellow parent Margo Carr enjoys the many opportunities at Saint Joseph Regional School for parents to become involved.
“We love SJRS because of the attention to detail and kindness we experienced from the very beginning,” she said, emphasizing the importance of that engagement. “It gives our children a sense of pride when parents become involved. I know [my son] Gavin loves it, and I in return love seeing his smile when I’m volunteering at school.”
Nicole Maldonado has been a parent of children attending Saint John Paul II Regional School, Stratford, for a decade. She has helped organize dances and events, and has worked with other parents on fundraisers to support the school.
“I try to lead by example for my children and hope I’m instilling valuable lessons in volunteering and selflessness,” she said. “By actively participating in events that contribute to the betterment of our school community, I aim to set a positive example for my children and peers.”
Signs of Support
Helen Persing, Saint John Paul II Regional School principal, agreed that parents play a key role in teaching and setting positive examples as the primary educators of their children.
She recommends that parents let their children know they are there to support them, and to teach them responsibility through ways such as assigning chores. She also encourages parents to maintain an environment of faith, and to teach their children how to persevere when they struggle with something. She added that boundaries are also important.
Paulsen shared similar encouragements for parents seeking to become more engaged in their child’s education.
“Make sure your child knows that you are there for them and ready to listen,” she said. “Be active in your child’s school. Know what is going on in the school, volunteer, participate and be there for your child.”
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