Back to School

Its back-to-school time! The children have their classroom and bus assignments, backpacks are packed with new school supplies, and the excitement is in the air, probably more for you as a parent as the three month summer vacation has come to an end. As we make it a point to prepare our children for school, it is also important that we prepare ourselves as parents to be just as involved and engaged in the classroom as our children.

This year, make it a point to get connected to your child's school if you are not already. Take some time to make your face and name known to the staff, teachers, and administrators for positive reasons of a concerned and engaged parent. Attend Back to School Nights or Open Houses for a chance to have a meet and greet with teachers. Take the opportunity to drop in for an occasional visit during the day or have lunch with your child in between meetings. Make calls or send emails to check in on your child's progress. If you have the opportunity, volunteer when possible in school activities. Taking a proactive approach in knowing your child's school and being involved in their learning shows your investment in your child's education. More so, it gives you an opportunity to identify needs and challenges that your child may have before they become problems later in the year, or during their academic stretch.

Parent involvement not only impacts your child, but it also impacts other children and the school climate as well! If your child's school has a PTA, join. The small fee (usually under $10) goes a long way in furthering educational activities, resources for families, and activities for the children. More so, your involvement in the PTA is a major step towards voicing concern to school board officials and your city officials. If your child's school does not have a PTA, I encourage you to start one today!

For more information on how you can join your PTA or start one, please visit http://www.pta.org/

---