Engage parents in school planning, leadership and meaningful volunteer opportunities

• Create roles for parents on all decision-making and advisory committees, properly training them for the areas in which they will serve (e.g., curriculum, budget or school safety).

• Provide equal representation for parents on school governing bodies.

• Conduct a survey of parents to identify volunteer interests, talents and availability, matching these resources to school programs and staff-support needs. 

• Create volunteer recognition activities such as events, certificates and thank-you cards.

• Establish a parent telephone tree to provide school information and encourage interaction among parents.

• Structure a network that links every family with a designated parent representative