Involving Parents in the School: Tips for School Councils

Be Event Oriented

Creative school events that appeal to the needs and interests of parents often provide a key introduction to the school. These tips will help you develop events that will engage and attract parents, and open the door to greater parental involvement.

Tip #12: The Showcase Evening

Use a special showcase evening to highlight school programs and activities, to provide parent education, or to offer the opportunity to meet other parents. The following are just a few of the many showcase ideas you may wish to consider:

• Feature a school activity or project such as the school choir or band, a drama group, science experiments or technology displays.
• Consider providing a speaker to present information on a topic of interest to parents such as homework strategies, discipline or health-related topics.
• Provide a brief information session by School Council on a topic or issue of current interest to the school community.

Tip #13: The School Fair

Consider organizing a career, health or community services fair. Participants may include parents and representatives from outside groups in the community. A fair provides an excellent opportunity for community involvement, and demonstrates the school's commitment to supporting families.

Tip #14: The Volunteer Training Program

Offering a school volunteer training program can go a long way to building parent confidence and building involvement. Sessions might be considered, for example, to providing coaching on being a reading buddy, or a library assistant.

Tip #15: The Parent Education Program

Parents often welcome sound information on a variety of topics related to parenting and their children's schooling. Consider developing information sessions on topics such as the parent-teacher interview; working successfully with teachers; school volunteering; internet safety; drug and alcohol issues; or successful homework hints.

Tip #16: The Welcome Back to School Event

To re-engage parents early in the school year, and welcome new parents to the school, hold a “Welcome Back to School” event which might combine a barbeque or similar social event with a meet-the-teacher opportunity.

Tip #17: The Multicultural Program

Where the school serves a diverse community, multicultural programs and events can serve not only to welcome all parents, but also to share and enjoy a wide range of traditions, cultures, sports and other activities. The following is a small sampling of the many events you may want to consider:

• Hold an international dinner with explanations of foods from around the world.
• Hold an international fair in which families create simple displays highlighting their customs and traditions.
• Run an outdoor recreation day featuring a popular international sport or other activity – such as cricket – which can be shared with the school community.