By the California State PTA Membership Services Commission
PTAs play a key role in family engagement by serving as the bridge between school and home. PTA has the unique ability to cultivate relationships between parents, students, and the school. Through parent education, PTAs offer resources to support caregivers. We help keep parents informed through regular communication and we offer opportunities for families to get involved in their child’s education. Programs such as science night, the school play, or carnival bring families together through fun enrichment programs. When a school community comes together to raise money for a specific goal – such as funding field trips for all students- everyone benefits from the collaboration. By nurturing these bonds, the effect is a stronger school community and more engaged families.
Here are some ways parents can engage with their child and the school:
- Talk to your student about their school day.
- Tell me one thing you learned today.
- What do you like most about your teacher?
- What is your favorite part of school?
- What was the hardest thing you did today?
- Make sure to opt-in to receive communication from your child’s school
- Attend Back-to-School Night, Open House and other school events in which you can talk with your student’s teacher
- Get involved in school activities. It makes a difference to your child when they see how much you care about them and their education
- Connect with other parents to share ideas and support one another
Things for PTA leaders to keep in mind:
- Communication is key!
- Build trust and communication with families in order to develop relationships
- Is your school community bilingual? Translate ALL correspondence that goes home to families
- Maintain consistent, regular, and succinct communication with families in their preferred language
- Communicate with families in a manner that they prefer: text message, an app, email, etc.
- Be inclusive – welcome all attendees at PTA meetings and events. Invite families to join your PTA!
What can our PTA do?
- Schedule a walk to school day. Consider inviting teachers and staff to meet at a central location and walk to school with students and their families.
- Plan a school picnic with a loved one; make sure to give families enough notice so loved ones can attend.
Family engagement starts with each of us. What can you do for your school community today that will make a difference for your child?