How to Be Involved
Be informed about school, district and state policies
Know the specific policies regarding family involvement, attendance, promotion, homework, students' rights and responsibilities, transportation and other key issues. Learn which policies are determined by the school, which by the district and which by the state, so that you know where to direct concerns and questions.

Be a decision-maker
Each Saint Paul Public School has a Site Council, which makes decisions about school improvement goals and budgets. At least half of Site Council members must be parents or community members, and each Council must reflect the diversity of students in the school. Parents also serve on district-wide advisory committees in such areas as Special Education, Gifted and Talented Programs, Business and Finance, and Space and Facility Planning.

Support good school attendance
Research shows that good attendance goes hand in hand with student success. This means helping your child to stay healthy, and putting school attendance before all but emergency family situations.

Learn how to help your child with schoolwork
This type of involvement most closely links with improved student achievement. Make homework time a priority. Many parents are not sure whether to correct their children’s mistakes or leave them so the teacher can see what errors are being made. Ask your child’s teacher their preference.

You do not need to be able to explain how to do their work – that is the teacher’s job. However, your children benefit when you ask them to explain what they are doing, or summarize what they have learned. Talk with your children about completed work they bring home from school. If they do not bring work home at least weekly, check with their teachers about their policy for sending work home.

Value learning
Research shows that when parents have high expectations, children succeed in school. Let your child know that you value learning and that what happens at school is important. Show respect for teachers as valued professionals who help students to achieve important goals.

Value reading
Show an appreciation for reading as the key to learning. Celebrate your children’s progress as readers. Ask them about the books they read. Find time in your home for reading on a regular basis. The public library can provide an endless supply of books or other reading material, absolutely free.

Have your voice heard
Attend your school’s site council meetings. If decisions do not seem to reflect the views of most parents, suggest surveys or focus groups so that educators better understand parents’ needs and concerns. Attend School Board meetings and offer your views during the time for public comment. Be willing to identify concerns, but also to offer constructive, reasonable solutions.

Be an advocate for your child
Take an active role by immediately seeking out support from teachers and administrators if your child needs help. This is especially true if you if you see a decline in grades or in attitude. Attending parent-teacher conferences is one key opportunity to address your children’s needs directly. You should request additional meeting times or communications if you feel they are needed.

Be an advocate for all children
A quality classroom supports all the children in the class, including yours. An excellent school enriches all children at that school, including yours. A safe, respectful and caring community nurtures all its children, including yours. Contribute as a school volunteer, by participating in your school PTA, PTO or other parent group, or through community action to support our children.