Written by: Jessie Miller, Founder of PHB There are a lot of words and phrases educators use every day that can be confusing to parents. Teachers spend so much time talking about assessments, benchmarks, percentiles, intervention groups, and progress monitoring that it is easy to forget this language is not common knowledge outside of school. I will admit that when I was teaching, I was sometimes guilty of this too. One phrase you may see on a progress report or hear during a

By: Jessie Miller, Founder of PHB Schools are HUGE operations. Often, we forget that there are dozens of people working behind the scenes in addition to classroom teachers. These professionals and paraprofessionals may interact with your child every day, or they may step in during the exact moment your family needs additional help. From the office staff keeping track of hundreds of dismissal changes to the custodian cleaning up when your kiddo yaks on the floor, every person

This topic is so near and dear to my heart. When I was earning my master’s degree, I worked during the day on an elementary school behavior support team. When a kiddo was having a hard time, I would be called to the classroom to help de-escalate the situation and work toward getting that child ready to rejoin the lesson, activity, or transition. I had to learn quickly: What actually helps a child move through a big emotion and return to a regulated state? And, slight brag, af

Written by: Jessie Miller, Founder of Parent Homework Buddy Riding the school bus can be one of the most exciting milestones in a child’s school experience and one of the most nerve-racking for a parent. Handing over transportation to someone else can feel like a big leap, especially when you are still wondering where the stop is, whether the bus is running late, or what your child should do if something unexpected happens. For me, preparation often makes the unknown feel les

Written by: Jessie Miller, Founder of PhB How a simple student planner can help K–6 kids stay organized, manage homework, and build independence As a former elementary school teacher, there were a few tools I saw students use every single day that seemed incredibly simple, but were actually teaching much bigger skills. One of them was the school agenda. You know the one. That little planner that may or may not currently be shoved into the bottom of your child’s backpack under

Written by: Jessie Miller, Founder of Parent Homework Buddy By the time you’ve made it through the first few weeks of school, chances are you’ve found your rhythm. The backpacks are packed, mostly. The morning routine feels less chaotic. You know the drop off line, the pick up line, and your child is settling into their classroom community. Then life happens. A dentist appointment. An orthodontist visit. A therapy session. A family obligation. Suddenly you’re trying to figure

Sometimes the biggest source of stress in a family’s day is not the task itself. It is the uncertainty surrounding it. What do I do first? Where am I supposed to go? What happens next? Children face these questions throughout the day, from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep. When expectations are unclear, even ordinary transitions can lead to confusion, resistance, or frustration. Routines create a predictable path through everyday responsibilities. They help chil

There can be a lot of confusion around what, when, and how to communicate with your child’s teacher. As both a former elementary school teacher and a mom of a preschooler, I have seen parent-teacher communication work beautifully. I have also seen small misunderstandings turn into unnecessary frustration on both sides. Most teachers are doing their best to keep families informed while managing the academic, social, emotional, and logistical needs of an entire classroom. In el

Meet the Teacher Night and Parent Night often get lumped together, but they serve two very different purposes. This guide breaks down what to expect at each event, how to prepare, and how to make the most of both so you can start the school year with confidence.

When the school supply aisle is packed with flashy “must-haves,” it can be hard to know what’s actually worth your money. As a former elementary teacher, I’ll help you separate the essentials from the marketing so you can spend smarter and make sure your child has the supplies they’ll truly use all year.

The end of summer is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and prepare for a new school year with intention. These simple conversation starters will help you strengthen your connection with your child, celebrate their growth, and build excitement and confidence for the year ahead.