By Rebecca Feldhaus
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-917942.mp3
Murray, KY – It was blistering hot this week, but much cooler inside Robin Brown's SUV, where he is finishing up some last minute tasks before school starts. Just two days before Hayden Leatherwood starts his first day of kindergarten, Brown pays his family a visit. With his big sister's wisdom and the responsibility of helping his mom with two younger brothers Hayden seemed ready to begin the year.
"What's one thing your excited about being in kindergarten?"
"I'm excited to be in your class."
"Excited to be in my class? Well I'm excited you're in my class too."
Brown is just one of the many teachers in the area to participate in teacher home visits. In Trigg County, they call it "Success Journeys." No matter the name, the program puts many area teachers in student homes to build relationships. Assistant Superintendent for Trigg County Schools, Beth Sumner, says in her experience it's been nothing but positive.
"I have teachers some teachers that continue to mentor that particular child well after that school year is over. There have been some very positive outcomes."
Murray Independent Schools Superintendent Bob Rogers says he saw how special children felt when they received a phone call or letter from teachers, so the next logical step for him was to have teachers visit students at home. He adds, another aspect of the program came from those caring for children outside the classroom.
"For years I've heard bus drivers say, I wish teachers could go on our route with us and just see where the children live.' And just see where they live. And that way they know more about the child, they know the neighborhood from which they came. The more you know about a child, the more personal you can be with the child."
So, three years ago, Murray Independent leaders encouraged teachers to begin visiting their students before school started. Though many children thoroughly enjoy the visits, Brown says parents are not always as enthusiastic.
"I think they're nervous, thinking, 'Oh my house isn't clean,' or 'Oh I didn't do this or that.'"
He assures the visit is not to check up on the parent, but to welcome the child and inform him or her about the upcoming year.
During this particular visit, Brown spoke to Hayden about his likes and dislikes. He gave his contact information to Hayden's mom, so she could reach him with any questions or concerns. Brown also questioned Hayden, who didn't waste anytime in figuring out what his new surrounding would include.
"Do you have any questions about kindergarten?"
"Uh huh."
"What's your question?"
"Umm, there are pretend money, inside your room?"
"Yes I do, pretend money inside our cash register, you're exactly right."
The visit program goes well beyond kindergarteners. Trigg County High School teacher Coby Lewis visits his high school students before the year. He says these visits are pertinent for those families teachers need to communicate with most.
"During the summer you can find out when the parent is available. They might work second shift which would prevent them from coming in to parent teacher conferences. And this allows you to meet their schedule and go visit them."
The planning period before home visits is unique to each teacher, but overall, Brown says it's about letting kids know teachers care about their unique situation as well as the relationship between student and teacher.
"Sometimes school is not a neutral turf, they feel like it's all about the teacher. But I try to encourage in my classroom that it is a neutral turf. This is not Mr. Brown's room, it is our room."
Brown elicited this attitude when telling Hayden about the new friends he'll have in kindergarten.
"Miss Vaughn and I are so excited to have you in our class and see what you can offer all of our students."
With a welcoming introduction from their teachers and open communication for parents, Brown and his colleagues hope students have all they need for a successful year.