Ways Parents Can Get Involved at Their Child’s School
With the school year just underway – now is the time to start thinking about getting involved and engaging with your child’s school. Getting involved in a parent group is a powerful way for families to shape their child’s education and build a stronger school community. Not only do you get to contribute to improving the school community – but your involvement sends a powerful message to your child that school matters.
Research shows that active parental involvement, including volunteering and participating in school organizations, correlates with higher academic performance, improved behavior, increased attendance, and a more positive attitude towards school among students.
Roles of Parent Groups in Schools
- Decision-Making: Participate in school governance, advocate for student needs, and voice concerns on behalf of families.
- Volunteering and Fundraising: Organize and help with school activities, classroom projects, fundraising campaigns, and enrichment events.
- Communication: Serve as a bridge between parents and school administration, ensuring that family perspectives are considered in school decisions.
- Supporting Learning at Home: Offer workshops, share resources for home learning, and encourage a positive academic environment.
- Community Building: Create opportunities for families to connect and support one another, enhancing school spirit and collaboration.
Common Parent Groups
1. Parent Volunteers
- What it is:
- Schools offer a variety of ways for parents to get involved—whether it’s helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, assisting at school events, or lending a hand at fundraisers and festivals.
- When children see their parents actively participating in school life, it sends a powerful message—school matters to our family. Your presence shows your child that you value their education, making them more likely to value it too. Volunteering also provides an opportunity to model the importance of giving back, helping your child understand the joy and responsibility of contributing to their community.
2. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) / Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
- What it is: A school-based group of parents, teachers, and sometimes community members that serves to support the school leadership and create community.
- Roles: (These roles and responsibilities will vary from school to school – it is important to ask at your school what role the PTA/PTO plays on campus)
- Fosters relationships among families and school staff.
- Organizes school events, fundraisers, and programs.
- Coordinates parent volunteers for classrooms, field trips, or school functions.
3. School Site Councils or Advisory Committees
- What it is: Teams of parents, staff, and sometimes students who help make school decisions. The site council typically is more involved with school policies, plans and curriculum than the PTA/PTO.
- Roles:
- Advises on school policies, improvement plans, and budgeting priorities.
- Represents the parent voice in school governance.
- May review new curriculum choices or school-wide programs.
4. Booster Clubs
- What it is: Groups that specifically support extracurricular activities like sports, music, or clubs.
- Roles:
- Raise funds and organize events for special programs.
- Advocate for expanded offerings in the arts, sports, or academics.
How to Join:
Most groups, like the PTA or PTO, are open to all parents—often automatically when your child enrolls in the school. Advisory committees and booster clubs usually welcome new members year-round. Parents can check the school website or contact the main office for more details and to see what sort of organizations or volunteer positions are available on campus.
Parents have a variety of groups they can join or other opportunities to support their child’s K-12 education. The key is to pick options that fit your schedule and comfort level. Each group offers a unique role in fostering a strong home-school partnership