Be a "VIP" (Very Involved Parent)

Parents are vital to children’s success in school. Here’s why:

During the school-age years, children spend only about 13 percent of their time at school. But they’re learning all the time! Although teachers play an important part, parents are in the best position to help their kids do well in school and life. It doesn’t matter where you live, how much education you have or how much money you earn. You can make a big difference in your child’s education – all year ‘round!

There’s more than one way to be involved in education. We know it’s hard to attend every parent meeting or school event. However, there are many other ways for you to get involved and help your child be successful. Make education a priority in your home. Show an interest in your child’s schoolwork and school activities. Get acquainted with your child’s teachers. Sometimes, learning is hard work. Teach your child that effort is just as important as ability.

Your involvement is critical – at every age. All children, wether they are in first grade or twelfth grade, need parents who encourage, guide and support their learning. Even if you can’t help with homework every night, you can give your child something just as valuable: positive attitudes, good self-esteem and the desire to learn.

You want your child to do well in school. So do we. Let’s work together to make it happen. We’ll do everything we can to communicate with you openly and honestly about your child’s progress, school rules, and anything else you want to know. Don’t hesitate to contact teachers and other school officials when you have questions or suggestions. Your opinions are important. After all, you know your child better than anyone.

As A Volunteer, You Could...

  • Offer to do a short-term, one day project
  • Volunteer at home on classroom projects
  • Drive on field trips for your child’s class or others
  • Be a computer assistant
  • Share your skills: poetry, reading, carpentry, photography, sewing
  • Design a newsletter
  • Be a guest speaker, sharing your career, hobby or a life skill lesson
  • Tutor a struggling student one hour per week
  • Mentor a discouraged student one hour per week
  • Mentor a gifted or very creative student one hour per week
  • Work in the library/media center
  • Be a classroom or clerical helper
  • Telephone parents who are not involved
  • Assist with the science, economic and other school fairs
  • Organize a school activity or club
  • Be a guest reader
  • Consider classroom partnerships and department level partnerships for smaller businesses
  • Encourage volunteering among your friends, family, civic club and church associates
  • Start/maintain a business partnership program for your school
  • Be an advocate for education issues in your community
  • VOTE

Click here for more Volunteer information and application.