Six ways to stay connected to your child's school

By GreatSchools Staff

Now that your child has started elementary school, there is a lot for you to keep track of: open houses, PTA meetings, field trips, school assemblies, and fundraisers. Here are six ways to make sure you get the information you need:

1. Your child’s backpack

Chances are you’ll learn about most school news and functions through newsletters and notes your child brings home in her backpack. When she gets home from school, ask her to empty her backpack — at least a few times a week — so you can sort through any papers meant for you.

Try reading through them with your child. That way, you can talk about all the things going on at school. This will help you remember important events — and let your child know that you are interested in what goes on at school.

2. The school website

Most schools have a website where they post the latest school news and information. If you don’t know it, call the school office to find out the web address. At some schools, every teacher maintains a web page, so you might even be able to keep up with homework assignments, field trips, and other information about your child’s classroom.

3. The school newsletter

Many schools put out a regular newsletter (often, once a week) that has all the news for the upcoming week. It may come home in your child’s backpack (so don’t forget to check!). But more and more schools send their newsletter by email. If your school has an e-newsletter, make sure the school office has your correct email address so that you can get the newsletter sent right to your email inbox.

4. The school bulletin board

When you go into the school, regularly check the central bulletin board. (If you don’t know where it is, ask at the front office.) Aside from school news and announcements, you may see notices from other parents that interest you.

5. The class parent

Ask your child’s teacher if there’s a “class parent,” or someone who has volunteered to let other parents know about class events and organize volunteer events. The class parent is the person to check with about what kind of help the teacher might need in the classroom. She will also know about any upcoming events. Make sure to keep her email or phone number handy in case you have questions.

6. Teacher

Feel free to ask your child’s teacher (either in parent-teacher meetings, at pickups or drop-offs, or through email or phone if there are school or classroom events you should know about. If it seems like you’re often missing important information, ask the teacher what the best way is to keep informed about school news.