Families are more likely to have children who experience a positive school climate and have high levels of academic achievement when they are knowledgeable about their children’s school and experiences at school, have consistent contact with their children’s teachers, and hold staff accountable for maintaining a positive, healthy climate. Families can help improve the climate of their children’s school by actively recruiting other families to become involved, and by reinforcing academic, social, and emotional lessons learned at school in the home.
Parents and school staff must work together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of children and adolescents. Parent and family partnerships with schools can promote positive behaviors among children and adolescents. For example, involving parents as volunteers greatly enhances student engagement, school connectedness, and an overall feeling of well-being and confidence for both parent and child. School safety and support are directly impacted by parent volunteers. By including parents and family members in the school environment helps create a sense of familiarity and connectedness for students and staff. Having volunteers in school settings like the library, cafeteria, and classroom assist with burden or lack of resources. It also reduces the potential dangers and uncertainty that are related to school safety. When parents and schools work together, they can deliver clear, consistent messages to children and encourage the development of positive health and academic behaviors.
To increase parent engagement in school, schools must make a positive connection with guardians and family members. Beyond volunteering, family members can engage with schools and staff during after-school activities, social events (in person and online), and teacher-parent conferences and meetings. This allows families to contribute to the relationships staff create with students inside and outside of the classroom.
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