100 Ways to Know More. Do. More.

There are many ways to be involved. Here, you’ll find 100 suggestions. You’re probably doing some of these things already. The goal is to find a few new ones that you’d be comfortable trying now. Whatever you choose, you’ll soon see the effects your efforts have on your children, their schools, and yourself. That’s because when parents get involved in their children’s education, everyone benefits.

Communicating

1. Give positive feedback and show appreciation for teachers and the principal.
2. Approach interactions with school administration and staff with a positive attitude and an open mind.
3. Listen to others' viewpoints when having a discussion.
4. Share your child's strengths, talents, and interests with teachers.
5. Share expectations and set goals for your child with his or her teacher.
6. Make appointments as needed to discuss your child's progress or concerns.
7. Attend parent-teacher conferences with specific questions you want to ask.
8. Decide with your child's teacher the best way to stay in touch (phone, e-mail, notes, etc.).
9. Understand and reinforce school rules and expectations at home.
10. Participate in informal opportunities to talk with and get to know school administration, teachers, and other staff.
11. Address concerns or questions honestly, openly, and early on.
12. Attend PTA or parent meetings regularly.
13. Read classroom and/or school newsletters.
14. Visit your school's Web page.
15. Know the names of your child's teacher(s), school principal, and school nurse.
16. Read and know your school's handbook.
17. Request that information be available in all languages spoken by school families.
18. Share your family's practices related to culture, values, and parenting with your child's school.
19. Communicate your perceptions of how parents are treated and, when necessary, work with school staff to improve perceptions and school climate.
20. Notify teachers of any significant changes that have taken place in a child's life (such as death of a pet, family move, loss of income, family member illness, divorce).

Parenting

21. Meet your child's friends and get to know their parents.
22. Take advantage of family programs and resources offered at the school.
23. Work with others to establish a parent resource center at the school.
24. Help create a school toy/book lending library and visit it regularly.
25. Assist in developing parent support programs/groups.
26. Arrange to visit your child's classroom or have lunch with your child at the school
27. Seek out classes or information on child development, learning styles, discipline, etc.
28. Attend parent education fairs and other special events at school.
29. Start a parent book club to discuss current publications.
30. Help create and/or contribute to a school newsletter on parenting.
31. Promote and volunteer for before- and after-school programs.
32. Build an at-home child I.D. file including items such as medical records, pictures, and fingerprints.
33. Make donations and/or offer to work at clothing drives and food banks to benefit economically-disadvantaged families in the community.
34. Ask teachers or school counselors about how to talk with your children about tough topics.