As a parent, do you feel it is easy and imperative to know what is going on in your child’s school?

Do you record e-mails, phone conversations, mailings, meetings and other modes of contact with the school administrators or educators? If so, it is vital that dates, times, descriptions and names of contact persons are noted. Even though parental involvement can decrease as children grow older, it is important that parents are in tune with school projects, extracurricular activities and curriculum guidelines at all grade levels.

Parental involvement absolutely begins at home. Parents can start by simply following routine obligations for checking homework or grades via school Web sites, by assisting with class projects and by providing input and collaboration about school assignments on a daily basis. Many parents today feel as though they are not capable of helping their child with difficult math problems or other core subject assignments; however, it’s always helpful to provide a designated place and time for children to study. Chances for academic success are increased when there is effective communication between parents and students in the home; as well as continuous correspondence between parents and teachers.

Some parents are great at volunteering with school functions. For example, they may attend class field trips, assist with Parent Teacher Association activities, or help with field day festivities, races or special programs. Yet, many parents feel their appearance at a school setting is not necessary unless their child is experiencing some sort of danger or failing in one or more classes.

When parents become engaged in school activities, they can provide support, time and knowledge that can be beneficial to the students and school as a whole.

Parental involvement can aid teachers in learning more about students’ attitudes, backgrounds and challenges at home. For instance, students are known to shut down when a family crisis or conflicts in relationships take place. Positive understanding and respect are also increased when parents are active in communication with school members. Moreover, when communication occurs, teachers and educators can better meet the needs of individual students.

Just signing off on projects or viewing progress reports does not represent a quality means of being engaged in a child’s academic performances. Keeping the communication channels open allows for greater accuracy in expectations and accomplishments. Students are then reminded to do their best and are held accountable on a regular basis.

When parents only respond to negative reports, ample time is not always allotted for successful interventions.

Therefore, regular contacts and attentiveness to school activities and expectations can prove to be well worth the time and energy in making today’s schools an institution of excellence.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.