Tips For Parents
This section is intended as a guide for parents and guardians of our students. You are an important part of our school community and this section can help you identify ways you can support your children and the school.
Parents and the School
The Special Music School is small, so parental participation is vital. There are many ways parents can get involved: through the PTA; through the school's private partner, the Kaufman Center; by being a Class Parent; by serving on various committees or by helping out with assessment procedures. Parents also help support our school through service and voluntary contributions.
Parents and the Students
Parent involvement is essential at the Special Music School. Because of the dual focus of the curriculum, our students have to work longer and harder toward meeting their educational goals, and in this effort very much need the support of their parents.
This support includes setting time aside daily to monitor and supervise music practice at home as well as overseeing academic homework assignments. In order for your child to attend the Special Music School, you should be confident about your ability to support his or her music study. For this reason, parents who are not musicians may need to obtain a little extra guidance (available at the school) on how to help their child practice. You can find Practice Tips on the SMS Parents website.
Parental involvement is also needed for supervision on class trips and other special activities and in the fund-raising necessary to support our music program. Additionally, parents with special skills are encouraged to come in to school to share them with the students.
Support our Funding
The Kaufman Center relies on private contributions from many sources to fund the music scholarships held by each of our students, and all parents are called upon to help in every way they can to bring resources to the school. Find out more about individual support opportunities.