1. Start Something Back to School Night Basics for Bigs

2. Start Something Back-to-school night is an important ritual marking the beginning of the new school year. On this night, your Little's teacher explains her goals for the class and for your Little. She shares information about her teaching style and methodology, how she grades and the requirements for a good grade. You'll find out what projects are coming up. Back to School Night

3. Start Something Frequently Asked Question by Bigs About Back to School Night Q: Won’t I be intruding on something that is the parent’s territory? A: The Big should say something like this to the parent: “I would like to meet Johnny’s teacher and see his school so I can talk with him about school more knowledgeably and encourage him to do well. How about if we go to Back to School Night together?”

4. Start Something Your Little's teacher might be a little nervous about meeting all the parents, and a Big, even if she's done this 20 times before. Arrive with a friendly smile and introduce yourself. Bigs report they are always made very welcome. School personnel know that another adult in a child’s life paying attention and encouraging him in school can only be a benefit to everyone.

5. Start Something Step 1: Find out if you can bring your Little. Step 1: Find out if you can bring your Little. Benefits: Can discuss things you’ve heard together that night immediately. Little’s are proud to introduce their Big. It’s your activity for the week. Helps put you and your Little together in the teacher’s mind.

6. Start Something Step 2: Bring a pen and paper. Step 2: Bring a pen and paper. Why? It will impress the teacher and your Little with your seriousness. You don’t want to forget something important like the date of the school concert. You’re being a good role model for your Little. Why? It will impress the teacher and your Little with your seriousness. You don’t want to forget something important like the date of the school concert. You’re being a good role model for your Little.

7. Start Something Step 3: Don’t ask specific questions about your Little. Step 3: Don’t ask specific questions about your Little. This might embarrass your Little. The parents of the other children will not be interested. Time is tight on Back to School Nights. Find out the best time/way to communicate with the teacher. This might embarrass your Little. The parents of the other children will not be interested. Time is tight on Back to School Nights. Find out the best time/way to communicate with the teacher.

8. Start Something Step 4: Be ready to volunteer. We know Bigs are volunteers already but… The benefits are: A chance to observe your Little in his school environment. A chance to connect with your Little on a memorable day Deep appreciation from the teacher The fun of going on a field trip or handing out cupcakes at a school party The benefits are: A chance to observe your Little in his school environment. A chance to connect with your Little on a memorable day Deep appreciation from the teacher The fun of going on a field trip or handing out cupcakes at a school party

9. Start Something Step 5 Gather this info. What is the policy on late work and make-up work? How does it affect the student's grade? How do absences affect the grade? How can I check on my Little’s progress in school? Do you give weekly progress reports? Is there a calendar of school events I could attend? What is the policy on late work and make-up work? How does it affect the student's grade? How do absences affect the grade? How can I check on my Little’s progress in school? Do you give weekly progress reports? Is there a calendar of school events I could attend?

10. Start Something THANK YOU FOR BEING AN AMAZING BIG! HAVE FUN AT BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT!

11. Our vision is that all children achieve success in life. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving: Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships Avoidance of risky behaviors Educational success Big Brothers Big Sisters The nation’s premier mentoring organization Vision, mission, and accountability Approved by BBBSA Board of Directors, Oct. 2010 11