When was the last time you visited your kid’s school?  Let’s hope it was not during registration.  Perhaps, you had to pick up your kid from school when he was sick.  Or maybe you plan to visit you kids school this Friday when you pick him up early to go on that needed spring break vacation. 

I don’t blame you.  Who would want to go back to school anyways?  We already spent enough time there during our youth, some of us more years than usual.  Why visit my kid’s school? 

That question poped into my mind when I drove by the billboard at I-40 between Whitaker and Lakeside. It was a nice little reminder.  I apologize for the picture it was late when it was taken.  I might need to add that this is in Amarillo, Texas, just in case those streets don’t sound familiar.  But why would a school want to advertise, last time I check that only thing they sell is healthy snacks in the lobby.

 The schools are always trying to get parent / teacher and parent / child involvement.  I guess the billboard is just another form; we don’t seem to pay attention to the papers our kids bring home from school. Oh, don’t say you were never asked to visit.  We all get the forms for participation in events, to meet your kid’s teacher, or schedule a conference.  But there are also events like football, basketball, festivals, social events and the list goes on.

 What are we waiting for to get in touch with our child, but wait “I’m too busy?”

 Yes.  That is it.  We are too busy with work or home chores.  Or perhaps you had other obstacles, my parents had language barrier when I was in school.  But I don’t have room to talk; I suffer from these issues too.  We stay to busy in our daily life and fail to pay attention to “little things”.  They are just little right?

 “Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing public schools.” Express a document about parent involvement. 

 “Parent involvement is crucial to the health and well-being of a child. As a parent, you are the most important influence in your child’s success in school and in life. In this role, you have a fresh opportunity every day to get involved with your child.” PTA.org

 “The results of recent research are very clear: When parents are actively involved in their children’s education, they do better in school. The academic level of the parents, their socioeconomic level, and their ethnic or racial origin are not determining factors for academic success. It is essential for parents to have a positive attitude regarding education, and to demonstrate trust that their children can do well.”  from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education and is in the public domain.

 Schools are encouraged to plan events and activities to promote involvement, including classroom visits, luncheons/dinners, student performances and national speakers. Highland Park School or which ever happens to be your school has a few of them through out the year.  Be part of your kid’s involvement.  You will be surprised how even a spending lunch with your kid helps out.

 Let’s do something, plan a visit to your child school.  Highland Park, I will go visit you…