WRITE A NOTE: Write a note to your child’s teacher and have your child deliver it. The note can ask for an answer to a quick question , give the teacher information about a child’s special needs, or request a phone meeting for more lengthy issues. If requesting a phone meeting, be sure to include your phone number and when you can be reached, such as what afternoons or evenings you are available and between what hours.

MANAGE CORRESPONDENCE: Look through your child’s backpack for notes from teachers, staff, and parents association. Set up a place where your child puts all the paperwork from school. Sign it and put it back in your child’s book bag by the next day.

MAKE A DATE: Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year, the fall PT Conference is on November 13 and will be held again in the spring. If you have a concern between conferences, request a meeting with the teacher . Don’t wait. Many teachers will arrange to meet parents before or after school or during their prep period.

GO ON A TRIP: Parents are always needed to go on trips. A mix of moms and dads is very helpful, especially for restroom stops. The kids really love when their parents go on trips.
DO SOME HOMEWORK: Volunteer to work from home. Make phone calls to other parents, collect materials for upcoming projects, etc. Let the teacher know if you can help.

ATTEND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Teachers are grateful to see parents at school events. Attendance at school events shows that you appreciate their hard work. It is a great opportunity to find out what is happening in the school.

GET TO KNOW KEY SCHOOL STAFF: In addition to your child’s teacher, familiarize yourself with the principal, security officer, nurse, aides, secretaries, parent coordinator and guidance counselor to name a few.

ATTEND A PA MEETING: PA meetings are a great place to meet other parents, stay informed on important issues and policies, voice your concerns, and share ideas. PA meetings are usually on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Notices will be sent home monthly reminding parents of the monthly meeting and outlining the agenda.

TALK TO YOUR CHILD: Listen to what your child has to say about their day and their feelings about school. Review homework assignments and display your child’s work on your refrigerator to show you care about what they are doing at school.