Stronger Together: Parents + Teachers + Community = Student Success

By Cherelle Williams Espinoza and Myron Mingo

The back-to-school season always brings excitement, fresh opportunities, and — let’s be honest — a bit of chaos. Between adjusting to new schedules, after-school activities, and bedtime routines, both parents and teachers are asking the same question: How can we work together to set students up for a successful year? 

Parents: Setting the Stage at Home 

Success in the classroom starts long before the first bell rings. Children need the basics — a nutritious breakfast, the right supplies, and, most importantly, quality sleep — to thrive during the school day. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours of sleep for school-aged children, yet studies from the CDC show many fall short. Inadequate sleep doesn’t just make kids groggy — it can contribute to behavior challenges, difficulty focusing, and even long-term health concerns such as obesity and ADHD. 

The good news? A consistent bedtime routine can make a world of difference. Parents should create a wind-down ritual that signals “it’s time for sleep” and helps kids reset for the next day. And don’t forget the power of communication: staying connected with your child’s teacher can help identify and address academic or behavior concerns early on. Research is clear — parental involvement has a positive impact on academic achievement. 

Teachers: Building Bridges at School 

For educators, the classroom is more than a learning space — it’s often a lifeline. Students arrive with unique backgrounds and challenges, from single-parent households to experiences with poverty or the foster care system. These circumstances can make it harder for families to provide essentials like school supplies or meals, leaving schools as a critical support system. 

That’s why building relationships and open communication is key. Teachers should get to know their students’ needs, reach out to families, and, when necessary, connect students with wraparound services. 

If a student struggles academically, collaboration with counselors or the special education team may be needed to explore supports such as an IEP or 504 Plan. Every conversation, every partnership matters — because no student’s journey should be walked alone.

Community & Resources: Knowing When to Reach Out 

Parents and teachers don’t have to do it all alone. Knowing when —and where — to ask for help can build resilience for students and families alike. At Mingo Health Solutions, families have access to a wide range of supports designed to make the back-to-school transition smoother. 

Counseling services are available for children experiencing stress, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to new routines. For students who need extra academic or behavioral support, MHS offers guidance with the IEP and 504 process, helping parents navigate school systems and advocate for their child’s needs. 

Skills coaching and parent workshops provide practical tools for building routines, improving communication, and developing healthy coping strategies at home. When challenges like food insecurity, transportation, or school supplies arise, MHS has community health workers available to connect families with community resources and coordinate with teachers to ensure no student is left behind. By combining counseling, IEP/504 support, parent education, and wraparound services, Mingo Health Solutions helps families feel equipped, supported, and ready to thrive throughout the school year. 

The bottom line: Back-to-school season works best when it’s a team effort. With parents providing consistency at home, teachers fostering connections at school, and communities offering support when needed, we create the strongest foundation for every student to thrive. 

Please donate to Solutions of Change at www.solutionsofchange.org (a non profit organization providing free and low cost therapy for those who dont have insurance or can’t afford it.)