Parents need to get involved with school

Getting ready to go back to school involves the whole family.

Like a giant puzzle, all the pieces of a typical family's schedule need to work into place for the transition to run smoothly.

You may not want to add another piece to an unruly puzzle, but rejecting volunteer opportunities at your students' schools can be a mistake. Both parents and students have lots to gain by participating in the education process.

The start of a new school year is a good time to rethink and plan ahead.

"Whether a parent can give an hour or a day's worth of help, we strongly encourage anyone to get involved," said Lisle Home and School Council President Kim Drennan. "There are different committees and board positions for each of the three school levels (in Lisle Unit District 202) because each has different fundraising needs and activities."

First on the list, volunteering in the schools your children attend is a way to instill pride and interest in learning, two values that will bring lifelong benefits.

One of the best ways to show you value education is by supporting schools with your time and talents. Helping a classroom teacher is a good place to start. Give clear parameters of what you are able and willing to do. Not all tasks need your time in the classroom.

Become a school advocate. Read all communications from the school. From the time your child first enters school, make it a priority to attend school functions and parent-teacher conferences. Know your elected school board members.

At home, make sure your children are getting the nourishment and rest needed to be at their best. Monitor and encourage learning activities.

Second, a parent's involvement and support makes a difference in a child's performance.

"Parents help their child succeed when they volunteer in school," said Lisle Elementary Home and School President Lisa Laue. "I feel I know what is going on at the school more because I am involved with the HSO."

In the first week of school, a kindergarten round up and open houses help parents become familiar with the school and the Home and School Organization. HSO volunteers ride school buses the first week of school to help drivers with the route and young children with their stops.

At the junior high level, the HSO sponsors an eighth-grade dance, a different production of CLIMB Theater each year, and a trip to a medieval restaurant to culminate the sixth grade unit on the Middle Ages.

Proceeds from fundraisers secured a piano for the junior high, sponsored authors in residence and establish scholarships for graduates.

"When students are in high school, I almost think it is more important to be connected," Drennan said. "Then you are aware of situations, things to watch for and to know what is happening in the schools. You learn when scholarships are available or that there will be a program on bullying. We bring in a person from a college to talk about financial aid and looking for scholarships."

For years, parents wanted the district to offer soccer at the high school and junior high. Parent input initiated the possibility and the HSO backed up the request with a willingness to help.

Third, being involved enhances a sense of community and commitment.

"Volunteers know what is going on in the schools," Drennan said. "You make friends and your kids make friends. To me it was the best thing I could have done."

A school board member comes to each council meeting and there is a monthly report from the board and the superintendent. Principals attend meetings and co-run a meeting with the HSO president.

The best way to feel you belong is to attend one of the HSO meetings, organizers said. In addition to the elementary HSO, there is a junior high HSO and the high school HSO. The HSO Council oversees the other organizations. The council's first meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at the district office.

"We have numerous committees for people to get involved in," Laue said.

At the elementary level, which serves both Tate Woods and Schiesher schools, there are committees for career day, school pictures, family fun night, roller skating, sock hop, book fairs, family portrait, book fair and clothing sales. Be in charge of collecting Campbell Soup labels or General Mills box tops because every little bit helps.

Fundraisers at the junior high are a wrapping paper sale in the fall and a districtwide plant sale in the spring, said Ruth Pearson, Lisle Junior High HSO president.

A catchall is the "Done in a Day" committee. Anyone can sign up for this committee and will be called during the year to do a small task or furnish a treat for an event.

Fourth, the rewards for a parent's involvement are immeasurable.

Your partnership with education is valued. The opportunity to make new friends is a plus.

All year long the need for volunteers continues. The LEHSO Family Sock Hop is Sept. 20; the LEHSO fall clothing sale is Sept. 20 and spring clothing sale is March 14. The High School HSO Holiday Boutique Craft Fair is Nov. 9. Forms are online for Market Day, the first Wednesday of each month, with pickup at the high school.

"The HSO compliments what the school does," Drennan said. "We hope to get some new families involved because that is a win-win situation."

• Joan Broz writes about Lisle. E-mail her at jgbroz@yahoo.com.