Top 10 Reasons To Be Involved

It's been proven that parent involvement in PTOs lifts some of the burden off teachers, improving all children's education and boosting teacher morale. Involved parents make teachers feel like they have an assistant at home. Participation like that is encouraged no matter what grade level.

You're putting your skills and hobbies to good use by volunteering with your local parent group. If you're good at baking, volunteer to coordinate bake sales. Maybe you're good at getting donations. Take advantage of your hobbies!

Your child brings home flyers about an activity you already know about. Because you're there, you'll know what happens in school.

As a parent/teacher group member, you raise money and make a difference in the lives of students. Your school has needs, whether it's a safe playground or a computer program to help kids learn. You get to help provide that for the children.

Getting involved in your child's school shows them you care. Many kids are proud of their parents for joining parent-student organizations, even if they act embarrassed. It builds children's confidence to know that their parents are advocating for them at school, which can lead to better behavior and grades.

In response to changing parents' needs, parent teacher groups have evolved. Now most PTOs have a variety of ways you can get involved. Many parents also juggle jobs and kids, so they feel time-crunched. The majority of PTOs have responded to this, and you'll find that project responsibilities can often be flexible. It's not impossible for parents to attend at least one PTO meeting a month as long as they're willing to think creatively.

It's been proven that kids with more involved parents act out less in class. It might be because the PTO connects the student's parents to their teacher, or it might just be because their parents value the classroom and the staff. In either case, students with involved parents have fewer behavior problems, do better on their homework, and are less likely to disrupt the classroom. This doesn't just benefit one student: It benefits the whole class.

We've all had moments of active parenting when we wondered, “Is it just me?” The same goes for homework assignments that are challenging for parents and kids, and teachers who don't understand parents. PTO involvement helps parents overcome these concerns and questions. Having someone to talk to who shares their concerns or has a reassuring answer is nice.

Ignoring that awkward teenage phase when kids pretend they don't have parents, most kids are proud to see their parents volunteer in school and be involved with their teachers. Kids like to know they're valued and that their parents care about them even when they're not around. Both sides benefit from mutual understanding throughout the educational process when parents are in the classroom. 

It's been a rough few years for education. As states cut back on state aid to public schools, local taxpayers or parents have to pick up the tab. We need donations, volunteers, and any unique help we can get from parents now more than ever. PTOs are great because these services can be split up among many parents who have the skills, resources, or time to help. Plus, being involved in such activities enriches kids' classroom learning. Every parent wants the best for their kid. PTO involvement can help parents make noticeable, long-term improvements for their kids.