From PTA meetings to volunteer hours, research has shown that parent and family involvement with their child’s school can contribute to a student’s success.
According to the California Department of Education, partnerships between families and schools have led to student improvements in the following areas: identification of needs, social emotional development, attendance, academics, preparation for college/career, lower suspension rates and increased graduation rates.
Veri Chavarin, a local parent and treasurer of the Parent, Teacher, Student Association at Logan Memorial Educational Campus, shared a few tips with Voice of San Diego on how families can show up for their child’s education.
Q: What groups can parents join?
A: Parent, Teacher, Association (PTA); Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA)
“These are excellent long-standing organizations within the school where you can meet other parents and partner with school leaders and teachers. It’s really a place to create programming for the families and students, but also to advocate for our children. So, whenever there are policies impacting the school, you have a place to share your voice.”
School Site Council (SSC), Site Governance Team (SGT)
“I always encourage parents to join these (groups) because there’s voting (involved). These are the meetings where the decision making is happening for school budgets, academic plans, things like uniforms, dress codes or any issues that are happening. Teachers and administrators will explain programs that are happening at the school, the systems the school is using and budget cuts. These are not groups that are really advertised. (Groups) send out messages and invites, but many parents don’t know what they’re for, but these are really, really important groups to join.”
Q: How can parents join these groups?
A: ClassDojo and newsletters
“At Logan Memorial, we have (groups) on our ClassDojo (a communication app for teachers, parents and students). Usually, school leaders will send out a notice for electing parents for these groups through ClassDojo or a newsletter. If (parents) don’t see it on a website, they should go to the school website. If not, they should talk to a principal or director of the school. I believe (groups) meet once a month for about an hour to an hour and a half.”
Q: If parents have questions about their child’s grades, who should they talk to?
A: Partnerships with teachers.
“It’s really important that you establish that connection right away and understand the teacher’s best way of communication because some of them prefer email, ClassDojo or another system that the school uses. That’s one way for parents to keep track of their kids’ grades and education: Be in a partnership with the teachers. If [parents] don’t hear from the teachers, then it’s really important they communicate with a principal or counselor and request meetings. Any challenges or anything that you feel your child is facing, it’s important for the teachers to know about them.”
Q: Can parents attend school board meetings? If so, how?
A: Yes, public school board meetings are open to the public via Zoom or in person.
“The public portions of school board meetings are open to anyone, parents and community members. There’s usually a live stream that parents can join if they’re working and not able to make it in person. Usually school websites and the district websites have all the board meetings. They also have notes and videos from all previous meetings. So, if you miss anything, you can always go back and just kind of review things that were discussed. These are open, unless they specifically say (the meeting is) closed…they’re pretty open for anyone to go.”
Q: Can parents reach out to their school board representative?
A: Yes. “I’ve had a lot of success just emailing them directly. Get to know the representative that oversees your district or area and reach out to them. If you just want to talk or meet up with them, they’re usually pretty good about making the time.”
Q: What resources do parents have?
A: Free district workshops. “Workshops that the district offers are excellent. They’ll offer (topics) like what an IEP process is, what the meetings are and how you can advocate for your child. There are a lot of people in the district who are very resourceful in different areas that they know your children will need support in, whether it’s social or emotional wellbeing, or how to do positive disciplining with your children and these are all free (workshops). A lot of the workshops are via Zoom or in person.”
A: Family engagement departments. “There’s a family engagement representative that goes to your school a couple of days a week that is available for parents. They’re very open to creating new programs but they also have very established programs and workshops (that can be available at your) school. They’re also a great resource if you need connections with local community organizations that can support your kids through after school programs and tutoring.”
Q: Why is it important for parents to be involved in their child’s school?
A: “Because you become a role model for your child. I think your child sees your presence, especially if you’re a volunteer. A lot of parents can’t be with the PTA or attend these other groups. (Instead), they’ll be a volunteer in the classroom a few hours a month. It really is a partnership with a community to make sure our schools are doing better. I think that partnership with other parents helps and supports you, gives you ideas of what you can do with your own kids, but also really makes sure that your kids are going to a safe space and that the programs are really what the school and district are promising.”
Read the entire article from Voice of San Diego: https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/02/18/how-to-get-involved-in-your-childs-school/