How Can I End The School Year On A Strong Note?

As the school year winds down, many families find themselves juggling a mix of emotions: excitement for summer, concern over grades or unfinished projects, and maybe even a little fatigue from the many months behind them. For parents of neurodivergent learners, this time can feel especially overwhelming.

Maybe your child has a few large assignments looming, their motivation is dipping, or the support strategies that worked earlier in the year aren’t quite cutting it anymore. You might even be wondering,

"What can I do to make sure we finish this year strong without completely burning out?"

The good news is, you're not alone in this. Teachers want to see your child succeed just as much as you do. And when parents and teachers work together in a supportive, proactive partnership, amazing things happen—not just for academics, but for your child’s confidence, engagement, and emotional well-being too.

Let’s talk about how you can team up with your child’s teachers to create a strong, empowered finish to the school year. And better yet? These strategies can help your child learn how to advocate for themselves, step by step.

Initiate a Mid-Semester Check-In

Even if you've had some communication with your child's teacher this year, this is a great time to reconnect. A mid-spring check-in helps ensure that everyone is on the same page before the final stretch.

Be proactive and encourage your child to take the lead. Depending on their age and comfort level, you can:

• Help them write an email to their teacher asking how they're doing in class and what upcoming assignments or tests they should prepare for.

• Offer to be there for support as they send the message.

• Help them brainstorm a few key questions like, *"What am I doing well right now? What should I focus on to finish the semester strong?"

This kind of student-initiated check-in not only gives your child insight into what to expect, but also helps them begin practicing self-advocacy skills in a low-stress, supported way.

Set Up Regular Communication

Establishing regular check-ins with your child’s teacher helps catch small issues before they grow into larger challenges.

Ask if the teacher would be open to sharing brief weekly or bi-weekly progress updates, especially if your child is working toward specific goals or using accommodations. These updates don’t need to be long—just a quick note on what’s going well and what might need more support.

When there’s a steady line of communication, it’s easier to adjust strategies, tweak routines, and offer your child the encouragement they need to stay engaged.

Take a Pulse on Accommodations

Accommodations are meant to level the playing field, reduce stress, and help your child perform at their best. But as the year goes on, some might not be as effective as they were earlier. Others may not be implemented consistently.

Take a moment to observe how things are going:

• Is your child taking longer to complete homework than usual?

• Are they more frustrated or fatigued after school?

• Which accommodations are helping, and which might need adjustment?

Reach out to their teacher to ask how accommodations are being used in the classroom. If you feel they need to be updated, consider scheduling a meeting with the IEP or 504 team. This ensures your child finishes the year with the right supports in place.

For a helpful guide to understanding accommodations, Understood.org offers resources that break it down in family-friendly terms: https://www.understood.org

Get Involved in the Classroom (Yes, Even Now!)

End-of-year events and activities often provide opportunities for parents to get more involved—and this can have a big impact.

Classroom involvement helps you:

• Build stronger relationships with teachers and staff

• Gain insight into your child’s daily routines, social interactions, and classroom dynamics

• Show your child that you value their school experience

You don’t need to take on a huge time commitment. Choose something that aligns with your interests and schedule:

• Volunteer for a field trip

• Help out with a classroom project or library hour

• Join a planning committee for a school fair or celebration

If your child is older and opportunities seem less obvious, consider reaching out to teachers or the parent-teacher association to see where help is needed.

Encouraging Your Child to Advocate for Themselves

As you're building a strong parent-teacher connection, invite your child into the process. Here’s how:

• Help them draft emails or talking points to use when they want to check in with a teacher or ask for help.

• Practice role-play scenarios at home, like asking for clarification on a homework assignment.

• Encourage them to attend IEP or 504 meetings and speak for themselves, even if it's just a few sentences to start.

Self-advocacy is a skill that grows with practice, and it starts with knowing they have your support.

What If Things Aren’t Going Smoothly?

Sometimes, even with your best efforts, communication with a teacher can be tricky. Here are a few ways to navigate challenges:

• If the teacher isn’t responding, try a polite follow-up or request a short meeting.

• Share specific examples of what your child is struggling with—this can help teachers see the full picture.

• If you continue to have concerns, consider reaching out to school counselors or administrators for additional support.

And always encourage your child to respectfully engage with their teacher, even when it’s tough. These moments help them build resilience and confidence.

A Final Word of Encouragement

As the finish line for the school year comes into view, remember: you're not trying to make everything perfect. You're working to help your child feel supported, capable, and confident.

Your collaboration with teachers is a powerful tool. It creates clarity, consistency, and care around your child’s educational experience. And when you model partnership and advocacy, your child learns to do the same.