Whether you have elementary aged children or high school children, as a parent it should be your obligation to be involved. We often hear or make the excuse that “I have to work!” Working parents want to know how they can be involved in their child’s education. It is very possible. When our children are young, we find we ways to ensure we are going to all the plays, performances and celebrations, but as they get older the focus shifts. You can often catch parents of older children only at athletic events. There is nothing wrong with supporting your child in their extracurricular activities, but their academics should be a focus as well.

How do you do it? One way is to keep in constant communication with his/her teachers. Do not wait until a bad grade comes home or a discipline referral to reach out to the teacher. Make it your business to take at least one day per semester (at least) to have a meeting with your child’s teacher or at the minimum be in contact with them. Let the teacher know you just want to meet to discuss your child. This will also benefit your child, because he or she will know you are checking up on them. Check the school calendar. Call if you have to and check for upcoming events. Most high schoolers do not bother to tell you about what is happening. The best way to be involved in your child’s school career is also to talk with them. Ask them about school including grades and events. Make it a routine to check their grades and have conversation about school. Support your child and their teachers to ensure your child is successful. Let the teachers know you want to be involved and to keep in contact with you. It is also okay to email or place a call to the teachers.

Let’s flip it! How can educators get parents more involved. As an educator I look for ways to involve parents. Involvement does not always mean being in the school building. Communication is the key. The use of communication tools including social media or newsletters can be a plus. I enjoy letting parents know what is going on through our school facebook page. We all know that a lot of parents utilize facebook and this is just one of many ways for them to see what is going on. Other communication tools including newsletter and other technology platforms are available. There are also opportunities to host events to meet, greet, and interact with parents.

Parental involvement is definitely a two way street! Like the old proverb says “It takes a village to raise a child.” Let’s show our children that we are a team and that their education and life matters to all of us and we will do what it takes to ensure they are successful.