Engaged Parents Equal Successful Children
As a parent, you want your children to thrive in school, and you also want them to develop healthy habits and avoid behaviors that are harmful. One way to help your child reach these goals is to engage in your child�s school. You, as a parent, have the ability to positively impact your child�s school experience.
Parent engagement in schools is defined as parents and school staff working together to support and improve the learning, development and health of children and adolescents.
Studies have shown that students who have parents engaged in their school lives are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, better student behavior and enhanced social skills. In addition, these students are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, become pregnant or be physically inactive.
Here are some simple ways you can be more involved in your child�s school life:
� Take time to volunteer at your child�s classroom, attend after-school events, or participate in a school committee such as a parent organization
� Ask the school if you can help with lunch-time walks, weekend games, or after-school programs
� Meet regularly with your child�s teachers to discuss his or her grades, behavior, and accomplishments
� Read school newsletters, attend parent-teacher-student conferences, and check out the school�s web site to learn what is going on at the school, and encourage your child to participate
� Ask whether your child�s school or school district provides programs or classes to help you become more involved in your child�s academic and school life.