When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more. A synthesis of research on parent involvement over the past decade, also found that, regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to:

• Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
• Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
• Attend school regularly
• Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
• Graduate and go on to post-secondary education

When parents talk to their children about school, expect them to do well, make sure that out-of-school activities are constructive, and help them plan for college, their children perform better in school. When schools build partnerships with families that respond to parent concerns, honor their contributions, and share decision-making responsibilities, they are able to sustain connections that are aimed at improving student achievement.

At Discovery Elementary, we encourage all stakeholders to:

• Join the PTA
• Be a member of the School Community Council
• Volunteer in your child’s classroom
• Participate in school events and activities
• Come to Parent/Teacher conferences (SEPs)
• Communicate often with your child’s teacher