Why It Is Important To Get Involved In Your Child's School

There's been a lot of research lately about parent involvement in their children's education. According to a report from the National PTA, students benefit from parent involvement in their school in many ways:

-Better attendance
-Better grades
-Higher graduation rates
-Better self-esteem
-Lower stress levels
-Less drug and alcohol use
-Less violent behavior

Not only will getting involved in your children's school be extremely beneficial to them, but it will also give you access to their teachers and keep you informed on everything that is happening at school.

How can I get involved in my child's school?

Become friends with other parents
Together, you and the other parents at your child's school, can form a strong network. Parents have a wealth of information about what is going on at school. Talking with them and forming a support group will help you stay informed and involved in your child's education.

Volunteer in class
Teachers love having parents help in class. It's a big relief to the teacher, and your child will love seeing you at school. Even if you work full time and don't think you could take time off to help in the classroom, there are plenty of things you could volunteer to do outside of class. You could help put together materials for class, or make phone calls to other parents to remind them about upcoming events. There is no excuse not to volunteer.

Join the PTA
Being involved in the PTA is perhaps the best way to lend a hand, make a change, and raise money for your child's school. It's also a great way to meet other parents, and get the 411 on any and everything having to do with school. Contact your child's school and ask for the name and number of the PTA or PTO president.

Share your passions
Take what you love to do the most, and volunteer to do it at your child's school. If you love singing, volunteer to sing at a school event. If you're a carpenter, volunteer to build the set for the school play. Whatever your expertise is, contact the school and ask if you can help out in any way.

Become involved in Support Functions, Fundraisers, and Events
Everyone knows the economic downturn has critically affected school funding. Fundraisers have become extremely important to schools for raising the necessary funds for new equipment, field trips, and after school activities. Volunteer to sponsor an event to raise money for your child's school, or help pick out, plan, and execute the main fundraiser. This could be one of the most beneficial things you could do for your child's school.