Back to School: 5 Ways to Get Involved in Your Child's Education

Getting ready to go back to school can be a lot like New Year's Eve: students and parents alike look for ways to do better than the year before. And while moms and dads don't need to worry about algebra or history, finding ways to stay involved in their child's education can be just as challenging.

According to the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, when parents get involved with their child's school, "students do better in school and in life, parents become empowered, teacher morale improves, schools get better, and communities grow stronger."

While "involvement" means something different to everyone, has outlined these five ways parents can stay involved throughout the school year.

1. Parent-teacher conferences: One of the most important ways parents and guardians can stay informed about their student's progress is to attend conferences, held twice each school year. (For specific dates, check out .)
2. Signing up for school communications: With the advent of email and e-newsletters, it's easier than ever to stay informed about what's going on in your student's classroom and school. In addition to contacting teachers by voice mail and email, consider signing up for the Birmingham Public Schools Mail Out. Mail Out enables parents, guardians and community members to receive district and school communications electronically. Email messages are sent directly to your computer, alerting you to news, special events and other information. To sign up, visit the district's website and look for Sign Up for Email Communications under Quick Links.
3. Volunteer in your child's classroom: Whether you have an hour once a month to help in your first-grader's class or a morning to spend passing out textbooks in the high school Book Room, volunteering offers insights into your student's school day as well as provides connections to teachers, staff and other parents. If you want to get involved, contact your school principal or teacher for more information.
4. Volunteer for the district: Want to make a difference on a district level? Parents are always welcome to volunteer for the district as a whole, including serving on committees for curriculum, character education, school safety, diversity, special needs services, athletics and strategic planning. Opportunities to become involved in community groups that address parenting, susbstance abuse and neighborhood issues are also available. If you want to get involved, contact your school principal or Community Relations Department at 248-203-3025.
5. Join the PTSA: The Birmingham Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) is always looking for new members, and there's no better way to stay abreast of what's going on in the community, the schools and primary education throughout the state. The PTSA Council President is Becky Brady, but to contact your school's PTSA branch, contact the Community Relations Department at 248-203-3025.

For more Back to School coverage, check out Birmingham Patch's .