Five People You Should Know at Your Child’s School

As a parent, you pack lunch and make sure your child is ready for school each day. But do you do your homework and get to know all the important people at school?

With a new school year right around the corner (the first day of classes is tomorrow, Aug. 24), it's time to start figuring out who should be on your "must know" list.

1. Your Child's Teacher

Get to know your child's teacher well enough to ask questions about schoolwork and to give her or him information that will help your child learn. Even for middle and high school students, it can sometimes be a good idea to build relationships with your child's teachers as well.

2. School Counselor

The counselor can help your child deal with changes and challenges at home and at school. Counselors can be a great resource for college-bound students, too. A good school counselor can help explain dates and deadlines and review the application process with your high-schooler. Your child will be assigned a counselor but he or she may choose to switch to another one.

3. Health Office Administrator

Introduce yourself to the school's health care professional. They provide much more than bandages and ice packs. They are providing a safe haven for kids who need to rest or lie down, dealing with safety issues, and providing an endless list of services to our students on a daily basis. The San Leandro Unified School District employs two school nurses in addition to athletic trainers for sports teams.

4. Parent Association

Ask your school if there’s a committee of which you should be aware. Or better yet, sign up to volunteer and get involved! Your school most likely has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). These groups are a well-established avenue for parent involvement.

5. School Principal

Find out if your school principal is holding any meetings, orientations, events or open houses to get to know parents. Many of our local schools host an informal meeting to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the school.

Important Contact Information

: Principal, Lynda Hornada, 510-618-4300.

: Principal, Garry Grotke, 510-895-7944.

: Principal, Queta Beltran-Bannon, 510-618-4340.

: Principal, Ruben Aurelio, 510-618-4310.

: Principal, Cher Mott, 510-618-4320.

: Principal, Victoria Forrester, 510-618-4350.

: Principal, Tracey Lantz, 510-618-4360.

: Principal, Wendy Ponder, 510-618-4370.

: Principal, Margaret Heredia-Peltz, 510-667-3560.

: Principal, Belen Magers, 510-618-4400.

: Principal, Alexander Harp, 510-618-4450 ext. 2675.

: Principal, Linda Granger, 510-618-4600.