Thank you to those who filled out and returned the recent survey for our school. We will use the information gathered to improve upon those areas where we can do better and continue to meet or exceed your expectations in what we are doing well. One of the questions asked was about parent involvement and participation. Although 80% returned the survey with a good or excellent mark, we are always looking for ways to get more parental involvement. Here is some information we thought might be helpful. The research is in – and it’s very clear. When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. If you’ve never taken a very active role in your child’s education, you may wonder if it’s too late. You’re not. It’s never too late for you to become more involved with your child’s education. And any time you get involved, you can start helping your child – immediately!

So you don’t have time to work in your child’s classroom. Does that mean you can’t be a school volunteer? No – a volunteer is anybody, any time, any place who supports school goals and/or children’s learning. That means you could consider yourself a school volunteer by doing what you can every day. Talk about school. Make sure your children understand how important education is. Make sure they understand that you use the things you learned in school on the job. Let them know that, just as you do your best at work every day, you expect them to do their best in school. Sometimes just hearing about Mom or Dad’s day will give children “permission” to talk about their own day at school. It could be asking your child about their day, reading aloud with your child, letting your child know that effort is the real key to success. Keep close track of how well your son or daughter is doing in school.

Once again, I thank you for your support and partnership in educating your child. We appreciate your involvement.   

Message adapted from The Parent Institute Quick Tips brochure #1100.