Ways be engaged with school and what your child did each day…
- Ask your child what happened each day – asking specific questions can be helpful
- As busy as you may be, try to offer your child warm welcome at the end of the day and space to tell about their day
- Ask for your child’s teacher for the class schedule
- If you can, volunteer in class room so you have a frame of reference
- If you can’t volunteer regularly, consider going on a field trip – this will help you understand the class dynamics
- Read the class room newsletters
- Leave more time at the end of the day for bedtime to talk
- Ask your child targeted questions that will be anchors to be points of discussion – Examples – How was recess? What made you laugh today?
- Bribe your child to tell your something good they did with a star chart
- Read the school newsletter and your child’s class newsletter to see what’s happening
- Join the school email list
- Visit the school website on a regular basis for the calendar and announcements
- Attend monthly PTO meetings
Ways to stay in touch…
- Ask teachers about e-mail. Do they want a class email list? Can you help put it together?
- John Wallace prefers to talk via phone because it is more personal. Email is his second choice but it is still a good way to reach him.
- Britta Hanson prefers email since it is easier to reach her. Phone is also good.
- Contacting your child’s teacher when you have a question. Teachers and school staff are available by calling the school or you can find the emails of all teachers and school staff online at: www.madison.k12.wi.us/staffdirectory
- Posting a question to the email list or responding to something that has been posted.
- Talking to other parents in our school community. The unofficial “parent network” is an important way to learn about what’s happening and share what you know.
Ways to Get Involved…
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Check the newsletter for volunteer opportunities
- Consider volunteering on the playground or in the library
- Peer pressure – ask a friend to volunteer with you
- Organize a time when a group can work together – like a quilting bee or barn raising.
- Do your back to school shopping at stores (Target & Office Depot) that give back to the school
- Consider doing a project at home like stapling, cutting or assembling a classroom project
- Offer your skills and talents to the classroom or by joining a PTO committee
- Volunteer at a PTO event
- Voice your interest in being an involved parent. Go to www.franklinrandallpto.org