Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. When parents are actively involved in their child’s education, their children are more likely to be successful in school and continue their education beyond high school. Many studies have confirmed that parent involvement has the greatest impact on students’ academic achievement, school attendance and attitude about learning. The more supportive parents are of their children’s learning and educational progress, the more their children tend to do well in school.

Connecting families with their schools to support student success is an important goal in Tracy Unified School District. Our schools welcome parent involvement and offer a variety of opportunities for parents to help. Recognizing that many of our families have two parents who work or parents who are commuters, our schools try to be flexible in providing parents opportunities to help. Parent involvement can range from volunteering weekly in a classroom to completing a small project at home for a teacher. Our schools also offer opportunities for parents to serve on a variety of school and district committees, including parent clubs, School Site Councils, and district advisory committees.

To learn how to get involved in your child’s school, contact your child’s teacher or school office.

Parents also can use the simple tips listed below to support their children’s learning at home:

• Read to younger children. This is the single most important activity for building knowledge required for success.

• Provide a variety of reading materials in your home and frequently take your child to the library.

• Promote school attendance and discourage absenteeism

• Monitor your child’s television viewing

• Provide a quiet place for your child to do homework; help with or check homework every night

• Encourage your child to participate in learning activities when school is not in session

• Encourage your child’s efforts in school

• Help your child choose appropriate preparatory courses in middle school and high school

• Keep in touch with your child’s teachers

Sources: Critical Issue: Supporting Ways Parents and Families Can become Involved in Schools, North Central Regional Educational Library; Strong Families, Strong Schools, Jennifer Ballen and Oliver Moles; United States Department of Education, National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools.