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A Guide to Doing Well in Bowling Green Education is available to everyone, regardless of one's age, race, religion, or social class. All children ages 6 to 16 are required to attend school. Public education is free. Parents may enroll their children in private schools, many of which have religious affiliations, but tuition at these schools is often expensive. Beyond high school, education costs can be expensive as well, but student loans and other types of financial aid are available. Most Americans view education as a way to qualify for more satisfying jobs and improve their standard of living. Adults who decide to continue their education usually work full-time and attend classes in the evenings or on weekends. Children with physical or mental disabilities also attend school. The school assesses the child's disability and discusses with the parents a plan for the child's education. If you believe that your child does not learn normally you may request an IEP, an evaluation of your child for special learning needs, at your child's school. Children should be enrolled in school as soon as possible after arrival. Visit your children's school sometimes, and help them at home with schoolwork. Although you may not understand English, look at their homework papers. You will know if they need extra help or not. Also, teach your children to read and write Spanish. Sing to them and tell them stories in Spanish. To enroll your child the first time bring the following information when you visit the school office:
Although public education is free there are expenses that parents pay, such as pencils, paper, other supplies, and fees for special activities. Notify the school office or the Family Resource Center if you do not have enough money to pay for your child's school expenses. There are three levels of education in Kentucky public schools. Primary education starts with kindergarten when children are five years old and continues to the end of fifth or sixth grade. Junior high or middle school follows (usually grades 6 or 7 through grade 8), and senior high school (usually grades nine through twelve) is the last level. Students who successfully finish high school receive a high school diploma. Read to your children in their home language, take an interest in their schoolwork, visit their school. You will be surprised at how well they will do. Classes begin in early to mid August and end in May. Most children attend classes about six hours a day, Monday through Friday. School attendance is very important. Families can be taken to court for letting their children be absent or late to school. When a student misses school:
If the school is too far from your home for your children to walk, school buses provide free transportation to school. Children can take lunch to school or buy low-cost, nutritious lunches in the school cafeteria. Free or reduced-cost lunches are available depending on your family income. Check with the school office. Boys and girls are taught together in the same classroom in our public schools. Teachers encourage children to learn by thinking and analyzing. Students participate by asking questions and joining in discussions and activities, even if they do not yet speak much English. One of the biggest challenges for children is learning English. Most schools have special English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for new arrivals. Assistance with classes is often offered by a teacher or tutor. The state of Kentucky and our local school districts decide what is taught. Most students study English, mathematics, social studies, science, and physical education. Art, music, foreign languages, and many other subjects are also offered. In addition to classes during the school day, schools offer a range of sport and club activities during and after school hours. Children may feel lonely at first. As their ability to communicate improves, they make friends and feel more comfortable. Parents can help by listening to their children's worries and school experiences. Many students and their parents are surprised by the informal behavior and dress of American students in school. Our schools give students some freedom to make choices, but they are also expected to obey school rules. If they break the rules, students may be required to do additional homework, have to stay after school, be denied permission to participate in certain activities, serve an in-school suspension, or be suspended from school for a few days. Physical punishment is not permitted in most U.S. schools. Check with your school for its policy regarding physical punishment. Drugs, alcohol, and weapons of any sort are prohibited in our schools! If your student feels threatened by another student or confused by their behavior, they should avoid but confrontation and talk to a teacher, school counselor, tutor, or principal. Encourage them to talk about their problems to you. Listen to their problems and don't be afraid to tell the school. Parents or guardians are expected to play an active role in the education of their children. Our schools encourage parents to visit, get to know their child's teachers, and attend school meetings, even if they do not speak much English. Schools can often offer information in your native language.
In many American families, both the mother and father work full-time. This means they must make arrangements for their children to be cared for. Some schools, employers, and private companies provide childcare, but usually the parents must pay a fee. Private individuals can provide daycare at home. Talk to your friends or relatives about daycare services in the community. Check the Yellow Pages in our area telephone book and check with area churches for additional information. Be sure your children are left in a safe and loving place. Use an interpreter when you work with a childcare center. Headstart is a special program for children age 3 and 4. Children have fun and learn things that will prepare them to start school. Contact the Headstart program to see if your child qualifies. The public schools have a Pre-School program for children age 4. It also prepares them to start school, but Pre-school and Headstart are a little different. Find out which program is best for your child. Headstart and Pre-School are a family's choice. You may decide to keep your little ones at home when they are small, and that is your right.
You can survive in the United States without English, however your life in the United States will be better with English. Attend one or more English classes that fit your busy work schedule. Several places in Bowling Green offer English-as-a-second-language programs, including the Warren County Schools English Program (at the Old Delafield School on West Main Street), the Kentucky Technical College (near Warren Elementary), the Housing Authority, the International Center, and many churches. Western Kentucky University Community College has an English-as-a-second-language class for those who are interested in going to the university. Besides going to classes, there are several other ways of improving your English:
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