As you get ready for that first day of school, please remember to join PTA / PTSA. Attend meetings if you can – you won’t be sorry. There’s only one meeting per month and I encourage you to at least check it out.The meetings are for EVERYONE and everyone is welcome.
The information you get at the meetings gives you everything you wanted to know (about your child’s school activities) but were afraid to ask. These details allow you to have conversations about school with your children (beyond “yeah” and “I don’t know”.) If you have an idea or a complaint, this is the place to come… there will generally be a principal and teacher/staff member at the meetings.
Finally, getting to know and become friends with the other parents is invaluable. I have been an active PTA leader for almost 20 years and it has made all the difference for me. My life has been changed for the better because of my experience in PTA / PTSA. If you’re nervous or shy or are just not sure about it, call me and we’ll talk it through.650-291-5262.
This extra layer (PTA) in the schools enriches the school experience and builds community. Studies show that when a student’s parent/guardian is involved in school, the student does better in school (and in life.) “
Much of the research on parent involvement is written for an academic or policy audience, often in very abstract terms. But these are some of the principal conclusions that can be drawn from the examination of much of the research:
-Parent involvement at home and at school has a measurable impact on student performance in school, and is particularly important for English learners and students from low-income families. -Parent involvement is related to improved student behavior in school and better attitudes about schoolwork generally.
-Improved communication between teachers and parents increases student engagement as measured by homework completion rates, on-task behavior and class participation.
The Power of Parents Research underscores the impact of parent involvement in schools. Today, I’m signing a bill that is truly revolutionary. We are bringing government closer to the people, to the classroom where real decisions are made, and directing the money where the need and the challenge is greatest.”
– GOV. JERRY BROWN ON SIGNING SCHOOL FINANCING LAW, JULY 11, 2013
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Pat Murray is currently one of our SSFUSD School Board Candidates for this upcoming November election. For more information on Murray please click HERE To follow her on FACEBOOK click HERE