Create a handbook for parents that explains the curriculum
and skills that students are expected to learn at each grade level. If possible, include a calendar
of studies so parents know at what time of year their children will be studying certain topics.
Provide a list of supplemental activities that parents can do with their children to reinforce skills.
Home Visits. Encourage teachers to make home visits prior to the first day of school. Personal
contact maintained year-round facilitates parent involvement by building a personal relationship
and providing a sense that parents are part of the school family.
School Visits/Calls. Is your school open to visitors? Are your teachers open to inquiry from
parents? Develop a process that parents will feel comfortable using, a process that announces
that your school is willing, even enthusiastic, about receiving communication from parents—and
this includes visits. Of course, there will be times when a visit is inconvenient and a parent can’t
sit down with a child’s teacher or administrator. But if the response to parents’ overtures is
always positive, they will not feel rebuffed and will sense that the school is interested in their
children’s welfare and progress.