| In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: | | | | to use your skills, you will make new friends in |
| bringing in cupcakes to help the room mother, | | | | your community. |
| reading a story to the class, or helping out at the | | | | The more in touch you are with your community, |
| science fair. Your child is happy -- proud even--to | | | | and your child's friends and friends' families, the |
| have you be a part of his classroom activities. But | | | | more you are able to knowledgeably support your |
| then comes middle school. It's a new world. | | | | teen. |
| "No, Mom! Please don't come! None of the other | | | | If you want to see change, the best way to |
| parents come, and I don't want you to be the | | | | impact it is to be involved from the inside. |
| only one!" | | | | You can learn new skills through your involvement |
| Sound familiar? Yes, parent involvement does | | | | in school. |
| change as our kids enter adolescence. So we | | | | Involvement in your teen's school has a direct |
| need to change right along with them. Because | | | | benefit to both of you. This has been |
| NOT being involved is NOT the right answer. | | | | demonstrated over and over again. |
| Why is this so important? There are many | | | | Your teen's response to your participation, |
| reasons: | | | | however, deserves to be respected. If she |
| By involving yourself in your child's middle or high | | | | doesn't want you to have direct involvement in |
| school you are showing him or her that you value | | | | her activities there, you can find other ways to |
| education. When you attend school events you | | | | be involved. |
| are demonstrating commitment to education. This | | | | Here are some approaches you can consider: |
| may be one of the most powerful ways to instill | | | | What do you do well? If you are comfortable |
| this value in your teen. | | | | writing, offer to write a piece for the school |
| Students with parents who are involved in their | | | | website or newsletter. |
| school tend to have better academic | | | | Contact the PTO and offer your services to help |
| performance, fewer behavioral problems, and | | | | them. If you like to cook, offer to prepare a dish |
| they are more likely to complete high school. | | | | for an upcoming event. If you're a whiz with the |
| Despite the impression you may receive from | | | | computer, they'll find you a job. Be creative with |
| your teenager, recent research shows that teens | | | | them in finding an appropriate answer that fits |
| want their parents involved, and they feel that | | | | your schedule. |
| parent involvement in high school is even more | | | | The PTO often has a person who is assigned to |
| important than in elementary school. | | | | gather volunteer names, information about their |
| The relationships you develop at school will give | | | | interests, and serve as a liaison. Touch base with |
| you information and insight as to your teen's | | | | this person; get your name on some lists. |
| world, friendships, and the expectations your child | | | | If you are more comfortable with collating or |
| is faced with. | | | | copying papers or doing office work, school staff |
| Your involvement lets the school staff know that | | | | may soon be fighting over you! Let them know |
| you value education and that you are someone | | | | your availability. |
| with whom they can have a relationship. This can | | | | If working at home or at night fits your schedule |
| have a direct and positive effect on your child's | | | | best, let the volunteer organizers know this. They |
| educational experience. | | | | can direct you to appropriate opportunities and will |
| Should issues arise at the school, or with your | | | | be grateful for your help. |
| child, you will already have relationships with | | | | At a minimum, go to all the school events that |
| people there that can help you. | | | | you can. Get your name on the mailing lists for all |
| Schools need your help. Schools are often | | | | announcements. Be there; and be involved. You |
| understaffed due to tight budgets and they can | | | | need to pick up the phone and make it happen. |
| use your help in many ways. | | | | It's your job, and it matters to your teen's |
| It can be fun, and in addition to finding new ways | | | | success. |