Schools and Families

Families play an important role in today's schools. Family involvement helps to guide school decision-making, improves problem-solving and aids dispute resolution.

Transitioning to a New School

Is your child starting a new school this fall?

Your child may be transitioning to a new school for a number of reasons; maybe your family has moved, or maybe your child is moving up to middle or high school. Regardless of the reason, changes at school can cause anxiety for your child, and may present some challenging times for your family. Here are some things that you can do to make this transition less stressful for you and your child:

• Ease your child into the new school by arranging a visit where your child can meet their new teacher(s) or principal.
• During your visit, take your child to the new school play ground so they can see it, and maybe even meet some other children who may be attending the new school.
• If possible, arrange ways that your child can still keep in touch with friends from their old school. Take time to arrange play dates, or encourage them to write a letter. Some children want to email or text their friends; this is fine and you can use this as a good opportunity to discuss how you expect them to use technology. Find opportunities for your child to share their worries about going to a new school with you or with other family members. Make some time to just talk.
• Share your personal experiences with your child; this is a good opportunity to talk to your child about how you deal with changes.
• Depending on your child's age, you might notice irritability, clinginess, or longing for the old school. If symptoms persist, or if you are concerned about your child's well-being, talk to your doctor or call Health Links ? Info Sant? at (204) 788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257.

You can find more information to help your child transition to a new school by visiting the following link:

• Manitoba Family Services: Transitioning to a new school

Other Helpful Links

• Assistive Technology - This fact sheet provides information on specialized equipment and devices that support people with disabilities to perform daily activities and enjoy greater independence.
• Helping Your Child Learn to Read
• Student Services – Information and contacts regarding student services, planning, special education, funding, published documents and educational programming.
• School Attendance in Manitoba
• Education - Assessment
• Education - Home/School Connection - This fact sheet provides information on how you can support your child with disabilities to continue their learning at home.
• Education - Programming and Planning - This fact sheet provides information on inclusive programming and planning for children with disabilities in the classroom.
• Education - Transitioning Through School - This fact sheet provides information on the various transitions students with disabilities experience throughout their school careers.
• Education - Students who are Blind/Visually Impaired - Click here to learn more about educational programming for students who are blind or have a vision impairment.
• Education - Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing - Click here for more information on educational programming for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Problem Solving for Schools, Families and Communities - A guide for problem-solving and dispute resolution.
• Formal Dispute Resolution for Families and Schools - A guide outlining the formal review process and the kind of issues that qualify for formal dispute resolution.
• Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations - The Human Rights Code is Manitoba's provincial human rights law. It protects individuals and groups in Manitoba from discrimination and is administered by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
• Technology Use in Schools - Use this parent handbook to help your child learn about and safely use technology such as computers, mobile phones and other tools.
• How Can I Support My Child's Learning with Information & Communication Technology
• Helping Your Child Succeed in School: A Guide for Parents and Families of Aboriginal Students - This guide offers parents and families of Aboriginal students suggestions about how to support their child?s learning at home and at school.
• School Partnerships: A Guide for Parents, Schools, and Communities - This guide assists formal and informal school advisory groups and committees in their roles as partners in supporting student success at school.
• Working Together: A Handbook for Parents of Children with Special Needs in School
• When the kids go back to school, it's time to reset their routine