Engaging Families of High-school Students

     In my years of experience, I have noticed a pattern when it comes to parent involvement at school events. Parents of elementary students tend to show up for every gathering, volunteer to help with class parties, send in needed supplies, and send in those needed coffee gift cards. In middle school, parents come to open house, meet the teacher, and email when the grades are posted. They tend to be less visible at functions around campus. Parents of high school students often are only seen at sporting events. There are those select few in each grade who tend to do everything. These moms (typically) help with class fundraising, food provisions for parties, and respond to every email. 

    Unfortunately, these few supermoms can often intimidate others from participating. some have expressed feelings of inadequacy when comparing their own capability with this uber parent. As a result, requests for parental support frequently go unmet. Having spoken with many of these families, however, I know of their concern for their child. Work schedules and financial struggles often prevent them from participating to the level they would like to be involved. 

    In recent years, I have begun looking for ways to involve more parents around my classroom. I have included a questionnaire in my syllabus where parents can not only tell about their student, but they can also tell me about themselves. I ask for preferred contact method and best time to reach them. I ask for areas of specialty from which they might be willing to present  to our students either in a coordinating class or at our annual occupation day. I seek parents as judges for STEM fair. Special speakers in the past have included respiratory therapists, EMT, electricians, fire chief, engineers, military representatives, and chefs, to name a few.

    Students really enjoy seeing science at work in the real world and are better able to picture themselves using it in the future. Students get excited about their parent being on display, even at the high school level. Parents have also helped me to prep my classroom. One mom is extremely creative and painted my sidewalk for me. Others have come to be our photographer for a class party so that I can actually engage with the kids and keep eyes everywhere. 

    School policy would dictate the level of involvement as a tutor of students, but this could also be an area where parents can meet a need. I once asked a parent who was not able to be present at school due to home responsibilities, if she would be willing to cut out items for me or to make some flashcards. She was thrilled to be able to help out! 

    These may seem like small areas that affect only one classroom, but when each teacher finds a moment in the year to include as many parents as possible, then our school culture improves. Involvement breeds excitement and instills a buy-in that brings about a pride for one's school. These relationships built intentionally with families will be talked about in the community. While man's opinion should not be our only goal, the name of Christ also benefits from such a positive report. Keeping the goal of improved perception of our Christian school for the glory of God is a most essential element as we teach for the Master.