SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 24- Bonding to School

 (Young people care about their school)

To Build Asset # 24 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Encourage kids to participate in school activities. Help with transportation. Attend their events.

* Ask about school every day. Celebrate the good; support kids through the bad.

* Have a place in your home to feature your child's school work and notices. Together, keep track of your child's activities and progress.

* Share your own experiences during your school years. What was it that helped you have school spirit?

* Work with your children when they are young, so they develop a liking for school. If your child does not like school, ask them "why." Help your child work to solve the problem so they are more able to enjoy school.

***************************************************************************************************

 51% of youth surveyed by Search Institute have this asset in their lives.*

*Based on Search Institute surveys of almost 100,000 6th to 12th grade youth throughout the United States

***************************************************************************************************

Words of Encouragement

When students care about their school they feel connected and have a safe place to go. Often students involved in clubs, student government, sports, study groups, and other extra-curricular activities feel the most connected to their school. They have a sense of unity with other students and a sense of pride in their school. Students who care the most about school are usually the students who have had good experiences in school. It's important to stop any problems as soon as they start. If the child doesn't like school, as them 'why.' Help the child work to solve the problems so they are able to enjoy school. When parents encourage kids to participate in school activities it helps the students feel connected to their school and other students. The parents can offer support by helping with transportation and attending events. Community members can encourage students to care for their school by supporting school fundraisers. Buy a bumper sticker or school t-shirt. Attend events and congratulate students who were outstanding. Help students feel connected to their school. By doing this students will care about their school. There will be 'school spirit' within each and every student as they show pride in their school.