Getting Involved Is Easier Than You Think

Getting involved in your child’s education is easier than you think.  As the school year begins, demonstrating an interest in your child’s learning by exploring volunteer opportunities and other ways to engage in education is the best way to ensure a successful school year. Here are the ten best ways to get involved in your child’s education.

1) Join the PTA

Barbara Carroll, the Assistant Principal at Cranford High School noted that the best way to find out about volunteer opportunities is to contact the PTA.

“The principal and the PTA work in sync to provide opportunities for parents to get involved,” Carroll said.

Jodi Klimko, PTA President at Orange Avenue School added that “the PTA executive board will be available at both elementary and middle school open houses in September with volunteer sign-up sheets for events planned for the school year. In addition, the monthly newsletter emailed to families and posted on the school's website is a great resource to keep parents updated with school and community information. To find out about PTA meetings, parents can also call the school, read PTA newsletters on their school’s website, or look out for event notices in the mail such as the Back to School Tea held by the PTA of Bloomingdale Avenue School in September, or the Patch to School event and backpack drive that Cranford Patch is planning for Sept. 13 at Orange and Hillside Avenue schools.

2) Volunteer at your child's school

Never fear, Principal Gavin notes that you don’t have to chair an event, simply volunteering can help you get connected to other parents, children, and teachers.

“There are so many volunteer opportunities here at the school!” Gavin said. “We are already gearing up for many fun, family activities that occur at least once a month that don’t involve fund raising. We always need parents to help set up events, take pictures, buy refreshments or man a booth. Some events require as many as 20 or 30 parents! Having so many volunteers helps to get the job done in the best way.”

Parents should feel free at any Cranford school to contact their child’s teacher to find out about volunteer opportunities in the classroom such as volunteering as a guest reader or to speak about careers. As students grow, more volunteer opportunities, such as Music Boosters, become available. Superintendent of Schools Gayle Carrick said “this allows parents to show continued support and interest in the activities their child engages in.”  

3) Be present

Carrick emphasized the importance of being an active participant in your child’s educational journey.

“Every child likes to see their parent at a program in which they are performing. If you are working, arrange with your employer to take the afternoon off in order to be present. Being present for homework, school activities or functions is so important. When you show an interest in your child’s schooling, then your child will be more inclined to generate that same interest,” Carrick said.

Parents should also make sure to attend Back to School Night, open houses, and parent teacher conferences.

4)  Read with your child every night and be available for homework help

The U.S. Department for Education National Center for Educational Statistics found that “Reading to young children promotes language acquisition and is linked with literacy development and, later on, with achievement in reading comprehension and overall success in school.”  Carrick encourages parents to engage their child in a lot of literacy activities at home so that they begin to understand early on the importance of reading and writing outside of the classroom. Principal Rui M. Dionisio of Cranford High School also noted the importance of getting involved with your child’s school work. “Promote good academic habits by making sure they are completing their assignments. Encourage your child to see their teachers for extra help, if necessary,” he said.

5)  Talk to children about their day

Talking to your child about the classroom experience is a great way to cultivate a healthy learning environment at home. Carrick urges parents to “stay alert to your child’s ups and downs and don’t be afraid to delve a little deeper into the positive and negative aspects of your child’s school day.”

Principal Regina Gavin of Bloomingdale Avenue School also noted that parents should have an understanding of the curriculum and how they can support it at home.

“We don’t expect the parent to be teaching the child at home but we want them to make sure that homework gets done and to let the teacher know if their child is struggling,” Gavin said.

6) “Scour your school’s website”

CHS Assistant Principal Barbara Carroll offers parents this helpful tip.  Being familiar with the school’s website allows parents to gain the tools they need to help steer your child in the right direction.

“Many teachers have links to their E-Boards and web pages. This allows parents to view classroom assignments and be active in their child’s education from home,” she said.

Parents of CHS students can also Log-in to PowerSchool to monitor their child's academic progress. Carroll warns that the average high school student might forget to remind their parents when, for example, the check for the PSAT’s is due. Checking the CHS website regularly helps parents stay informed on all school related information.

7) Encourage your child to get involved in afterschool activities

Dionisio notes that “whether its athletics, visual or performing arts, clubs and community service opportunities; CHS has something for everyone.” Parents should use the website to learn more about co-curricular activities such as sports and music. Carroll notes that “although students are given the opportunity to sign up for clubs in the beginning of the year, they need that little extra push from home. Knowledge is power; if a parent has a good understanding of what we offer here at the high school, then they can help their child find the right activity for them,” she said.

8) Attend board of education meetings

Although Parents do not need to attend every Board of Education meeting, attending a few sessions can help parents learn more about their child’s school.

"I think it is important that parents attend at least a few meetings to get an idea of what’s going on in the district,” Principal Gavin said.  For example, attending a Board of Education meeting that discusses the school budget can help parents understand where their tax dollars are going and what important programs may need demonstrated support in order to stay alive.

9) Complete surveys sent home by your child's school

Principal Michelle Vella of Orange Avenue School stated that “we have an open door policy and welcome any feedback from parents.  This year, we will be conducting a survey, asking parents to reflect on how Orange Avenue School communicates with parents.”

Carrick expanded saying, “Cranford sends a lot of surveys for parents to complete at the beginning of the school year. Please be as open and honest with us as you can. If there is anything that we should know about your child, send an email. What do they enjoy doing? What are they afraid of? Don’t be afraid to be your child’s first teacher and advocate,” she said.

10)  Don’t be afraid to communicate

Getting involved in your child’s education is as easy as picking up the phone or writing a note. Teachers, PTA presidents and principals are ready and waiting for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this school year the best yet.

“The bottom line is that the relationship between child and parent is the most important. A child must feel that their parent is sincerely interested in their happiness and success in school. There are so many ways to be involved all throughout a child’s educational career,” Carrick said.