At Lexington High School we strive to provide students the opportunity to experience high academic achievement and steady social development as well as to provide an experience which students will enjoy. For these goals to be fully realized it is necessary for the parents and school to work effectively as partners. There is no question that the four-year progression through Lexington High School can sometimes be stressful even though parents, students and teachers might all go to great lengths in an effort to provide smooth passage. It is during these brief stressful periods that cooperation among all parties is most essential. Please allow us to attempt to answer some of the questions we get most frequently on the topic of solving problems in the school setting.

How do I establish a relationship with my child’s teachers?
All LHS staff are assigned an email account and that is often the ideal way to communicate with teachers. If you wonder about issues such as homework, test results, classroom expectations, or behavior, the teacher is the one who can answer you best. In most instances a brief email or phone call will lead to understanding and resolution. If necessary, meetings can be arranged with one or several teachers. Please be aware that each teacher at the High School is responsible for more than 100 students so that it is not always possible to be immediately available for a conversation or a meeting. However, if you leave a message they will return your call.

If I am worried or upset how do I keep the interaction positive and moving toward a good solution?
When problems arise everyone involved wants them solved as quickly as possible. Parents, teachers and the student all have the same goal. No one benefits from prolonged worry. With that in mind it is best to begin the interaction with information gathering as the goal. Few, if any, issues are as simple as they might seem at first glance when seen through one set of eyes or when retold in an emotional context. It is always necessary to keep an open mind until all the facts as seen by all parties are articulated. Only after the facts, as seen by each party, are articulated is it time to define the issue and develop a strategy to deal with the issue. It is important to keep in mind that while some problems are quickly solved, others will require several exchanges, often with different school personnel, and may require attention over many weeks.

My child says to stay out of it because things will only get worse if I’m involved. What should I do?
Issues do not resolve themselves. Some issues require a collaborative effort. You as a parent should carefully consider the information you have as you decide whether to become involved. In this context we have had parents call us to express a concern, but then ask us not to talk to the teacher and/or not to use their name due to a fear of retribution. We can only deal with issues when expressed in an open and forthright way. As mentioned above, we have the same goals and need to work as partners. Under no circumstances would any act of retribution be tolerated. No teacher would benefit from such an action. Indeed, the consequences of such an action would be severe.

What are the steps I need to take to address my questions/concerns?
The best place to start with any classroom issue is with the classroom teacher. They are the ones who are most likely to have the information that can clarify any issue or help resolve any conflict. Only after speaking to the classroom teacher should you bring an issue about the class or the teacher to a higher authority such as a department head, coordinator or Dean.
Of course, there may be questions or concerns that do not deal with classroom issues that are best addressed by counselors or administrators.

Should I call the Principal?
The Principal will only get involved in resolving classroom issues after all other avenues have been pursued. If an issue is brought to the Principal’s attention he will review the process that has been followed to date and make a determination as to whether further investigation and/or a hearing is called for.