Back To School: Make An Effort To Get Involved As A Parent
Posted: Friday, August 14, 2009
by Stephany Springer
Schools can be intimidating for parents. With all the rules and procedures, it sometimes can seem that parent involvement is not wanted.
Unfortunately, parent involvement is essential for a school to be successful. As parents, it is our duty to take the initiative and get involved. It helps your kid succeed as well as let them know that you care.
Join the PTO
Sounds simple, I know. But you would be surprised how many parents just do not pay the $5 to $10 fee to join the Parent Teacher Organization. This group is the lifeline of the school. The money they raise goes right back into your children's classroom. This is probably the simplest step to get involved.
Offer To Do The Mundane
I know this sounds insane, but teachers have a million mundane tasks a day, especially before school starts. Offer to cut their laminate. Every year teachers decorate and use classroom items that need laminated and cut. Most districts even charge the teachers to laminate. Offer to do this for them. This can even be done at home. Offer to help decorate their room. Offer to grade tests or prepare crafts for lessons. I am sure if you ask, your child's teacher will have a list of items that she needs help with.
Read to your child's class
If you do not have to work or can afford a small break throughout the year. Offer to read to your child's class. This gives the teacher a little free time to get work done or work with individualized students. You also become very popular with the kids!
Give the gift of money
Teachers spend a ton of their own personal money. Give a gift certificate to a local teacher supply store to start the year off! They will be extremely grateful. Also, be sure to participate in the fundraisers that your school does.
Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer
There are endless jobs for volunteers. Our school has a program in which dads come and spend the day with kids. They have night activities in which they could use parent help. Just ask your child's teacher or administrator and they will provide you with endless opportunities.
Go to all events
I was disappointed this week because our school offered a back to school picnic lunch to reconnect before the start of school. Attendance was mostly teachers and only a few families. The school has these type of events so that you as a parent can be more involved. Go to open house, games, plays any event. Be involved and in the process you will show your child that you care about his school.
Have lunch with your child
Most schools allow parents to come and eat with their children. Do this. It shows the teacher you care, but it also makes you approachable. Also, who does not want to have lunch with their child?
If your children have already graduated, don't think you are out of the work. You are still useful. Volunteer to be a mentor to a kid in need. Go read to the kids, etc. The school can use you as well.
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