Suggested Local Unit Activities
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- Welcome parents in a positive and friendly manner.
- Send a welcoming letter to parents at the beginning of the year to establish rapport and start the year on a positive note.
- Survey parents for their opinions about school services, programs, and specific needs.
- Publish a school newsletter in which parent, student, and staff contributions to the school are regularly recognized.
- Schedule parent-teacher conferences at times convenient to working and non-working parents. e.g., early morning, before, during and after lunch, late afternoon, and nights.
- Offer parenting classes, workshops, and support groups at flexible times and provide child care.
- Create a parent resource room for activities, meetings, get-togethers, and materials to assist them in helping their children.
- Provide answering machine messages concerning student accomplishments, coming events, and parent involvement opportunities.
- Equip staff with developmental training that will assist them in knowing how to best work and communicate with parents.
- Develop a plan for regular teacher-to-parent communication.
- Maintain a forum for parents to share their ideas and/or concerns in a non-threatening atmosphere.
- Encourage parents to communicate with their child's teacher on a regular basis.
- Encourage parents to become involved in PTA and in school-sponsored activities.
Alabama PTA
The Alabama PTA is the strongest statewide organization working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1911, Alabama PTA's primary objective is to strengthen the family unit through parent involvement.