9 Ways To Get Involved in Your Child’s Schooling That You May Not Know
As a parent or grandparent, there are multiple areas in which you can support the local education system. These areas include district level, school level, or your child’s classroom. These different areas may include multiple schools, go beyond the grade or classroom of your child, or focus in your child’s classroom.
In as many ways that different parents have various interests, and talents to lend, there are as many options to get involved. A busy schedule isn’t necessarily a hindrance for getting involved and advocating for your child. Whether you have a few hours a year, or a few hours a week to offer, there is a place where your parental contribution will be appreciated and make a difference for the better.
Our kids benefit when parents become involved. With a wide range of options, and time commitment levels in which to participate, there’s no excuse not to join.
How to get involved at the district level:
1. View, attend, or participate in school district committee meetings
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have less than a few hours a month to contribute.
You probably know that parents are welcome to attend school district meetings. However did you know that many school districts record their committee meetings, so you can watch online, even if you can’t be there in person? If your district does not record, but you would like to be able to access meetings digitally, make a request.
2. Know the District Plan — and Weigh In
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a year to contribute.
Did you know that each school district has a strategic plan, with specific goals and measurements? These district-wide goals often center around safety, academics, and community involvement. The path forward for success in your school district will certainly affect your child’s experience. Perhaps you have some insight about how the district could more effectively reach their goals, or a suggestion for a different goal or measurement for the district. You may even know other parents in the community who would also appreciate knowing this plan.
Curious about your school’s plan? Weigh in by contacting your school district.
3. Exercise your rights as a voter in school board elections
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a year to contribute.
The locally elected school board representatives are responsible for spending Idaho’s $1.7 billion annual education budget that affects all students in Idaho.
As a parent and a voter, you have the opportunity to participate in the public election for your local school board representative. The school board is responsible for the governance and oversight of the school, including decisions around policy, curriculum, and finances, ensuring that students receive the highest quality education.
So much attention is focused on national elections, however this school board member may closely affect your life. This is your chance to let your voice be heard and advocate for education for your child and your community.
How to get involved, at the school level:
4. Volunteer — not just in your kid’s classroom.
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a month, or a few hours a week to contribute. There is a wide range of possibilities and level of commitment required.
Some classes are blessed with a group of involved parents who have the time and resources to dedicate towards the class. Other classes don’t have that. Consider getting involved at the school level to be available to assist with other classrooms beyond just your child’s. Maybe you are “the art mom”, or gifted in explaining math concepts, available to grade papers or make copies, or sort paperwork. There are many opportunities to lend a hand. You, as a parent or grandparent have a place in the classroom. Not only your child, but other children can benefit from your presence there!
5. Get active on a committee
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a month to contribute.
Each school has different committees with openings for parents to join, and many times these committees go understaffed. Booster clubs, for instance, support many groups including, sports teams, music, theatrical or foreign language clubs. Other committees consist of special events such as prom and graduation night. Not sure what committee to join? Consider an opportunity to join a school calendar committee and provide input on many aspects of your student’s schedule throughout the school year. There are committees at the school and district level to join.
6. PTA and PTO, what’s the difference and how you can help?
Time Commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a month to contribute.
Your child’s school may have a PTA or PTO. “PTO” is a general term for the Parent-Teacher-Organization. Other acronyms include PCC, HSA. Both the PTA and PTO are a group of parents and teachers that organize and facilitate events to enrich student’s educational experience by building strong working relationships between parents, teachers and schools. Some opportunities to volunteer include but not limited to, providing recognition in awards ceremonies, recruiting and coordinating volunteers, organizing parent education events, organizing teacher appreciation activities, fundraising, carnivals, book fairs, field day and other activities.
Ever wonder what the difference is between PTOs and PTAs? Here’s a quick break down..
PTAs (Parent-teacher association) are local groups that affiliate with the National PTA. There is a membership fee that typically helps pay for insurance and state and national PTA fees. The National PTA is a lobbying organization with a political effort to advocate on behalf of students and schools.
PTOs (Parent-teacher organization) choose to stay independent to a school and operate under their own rules and regulations. Typically, there is no fee to join, but some PTOs decide to charge a membership fee, and all money raised stays within the school.
How to get involved in the classroom:
7. Weigh in on the class curriculum
Time Commitment: depends on involvement. Can be a one time conversation, or an ongoing commitment.
If you would like to see your child’s school curriculum supplemented or changed, you can make a suggestion or even offer to volunteer, by contacting your school administration. School PTA and PTO meetings can also serve as a venue to begin conversations between teachers and parents about a new program teachers are implementing or an idea or teaching method parents would like to propose to implement in the school curriculum.
8. Chaperone an event or a field trip
Time commitment: this is ideal for parents who have a few hours a year, or more, to contribute.
Teachers work hard and do an amazing job in the classroom. Yet, when it comes to field trips, class parties or class activities, teachers become both educators and event planners. This can be an exhausting job. Volunteering at these events can be a perfect opportunity for parents who have limited time to be involved with their children’s education and volunteer with the class.
9. Keep in touch with the teacher
Time Commitment: ongoing, as much or as little as you may need.
You are not limited to the annual parent-teacher conference to communicate with your child’s teacher. Teachers welcome the opportunity to stay in touch. Ask your child’s teacher their preferred means of communication — perhaps email, texting, or in-person meetings — so you can establish the best dialog possible. Finding time, coming prepared, and creating plans with your child’s teacher can go a long way to ensure your child has a great school year.
Regardless of the time you can give or interests you have, you can be certain your involvement will be appreciated. The community and all students benefit when parents become involved. If you are not sure where to start or where you may be needed, talk with your child’s teacher or call the office staff and they will provide you with the necessary contact information. With a wide range of options and time commitment levels in which to participate, there’s no excuse not to join.
