Parents as Partners

Make attendance a priority

Being at school consistently gives students access to instruction, relationships, routines, and opportunities they simply can’t fully replace at home. Even occasional absences can make it harder for students to keep up with new learning or feel connected to what is happening in class. Families can help by building strong morning and bedtime routines, scheduling appointments outside of the school day whenever possible, and talking openly with children about why attendance matters. Just as important: if something is making regular attendance difficult, reach out to the school early. Transportation concerns, health needs, family circumstances, anxiety about school, or academic struggles may all affect attendance, and schools can often help connect families with support. The goal isn’t perfect attendance; it’s making every school day count and working together when challenges arise.

Make school part of the conversation at home

You don’t have to know the content your child is learning to play an important role in their education. Showing curiosity sends a powerful message that learning matters.

Instead of asking only, “How was school?” try questions that invite more than a one-word answer:

• What was something interesting you learned today?
• What was difficult?
• What are you working on right now?
• What are you proud of?
• What question did you ask today?

Listen to how your child explains their thinking rather than jumping in with the answer. Ask them to teach you something, show you a project, or explain how they solved a problem. For older students, conversations might include assignments, goals, course choices, extracurricular activities, or plans after high school. 

You don’t have to become the teacher at home, your job is to stay curious, encourage effort, and show that what happens at school matters to you.