Here are a few suggestions of ways parents can be involved in their children's education. No one expects any one parent to contribute in all ways, but if every parent contributed in some way, both their children, their children's school, and the wider community would benefit.

• Join the Home and School or Parent-Teacher Association in your school. Your involvement will send a message that you think school is important.
  
  1. If there is not an organization, start one. The Federation can help.
     
  2. Actively participate and be supportive. Try to say "yes" when you're called to help.
     
  3. Participate in meetings, fundraising and social events.
• Ensure all community leaders for your district make education a number one priority.
• Keep informed on issues affecting the quality of education.
• Attend regular interviews with the teachers.
• Get to know your child's teacher and principal.
  Make a "good news" or "offer to help" contact with your child's teacher early in the year so if a problem does arise, you already have a relationship and are able to look at the problem as colleagues.
• Jot a quick note to thank a teacher for spending extra time with your son or daughter.
• Call the principal to share the good news about a history teacher who has sparked your daughter's interest.
• At the end of the year, write a letter to a teacher who has done an outstanding job - and send a copy to the school board office.
• Write a positive letter to the editor about your school.
• Attend student performances, sports and other events.
• Volunteer to help out in the classroom, library, lunchroom, gym, schoolyard or on field trips.
  Help organize parent/child athletic events.
  Establish an early bird club for students who arrive before school starts.
  Help organize a special day at school (sibling day, grandparents' day).
  Offer assistance in areas of personal expertise or about your occupation.
• Keep up your involvement from elementary through high school.
  Joining the parent association is especially important as children grow older. By working with other parents, you can agree to work together to set rules regarding important issues, such as the need for parental supervision at parties.
• Serve on the school council or school committees.
• Attend school board meetings and/or run for school board election.

  (Taken from the "Parent Resource Binder: The Essential Link", published by the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation).

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