Have you ever wondered why some children are academically superior and well-adjusted to the rigors of school? In many cases, this scenario did not "just happen" by chance. To enjoy success, there are many key factors involved, including good teachers, challenging curriculum, home conditions that are conducive to learning, a caring school environment, the student's aptitude and attitude, and parental involvement. Although each component is important, one cannot truly measure the far-reaching impact that parents have had on their children. From taking interest in their child's schoolwork, interacting with teachers, communicating well with the child, supporting the child in curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities, etc., the parent conveys the importance of education by his/her vested interest.

One of the ways that a parent can display a school's significance would be to participate in the school's parental groups, especially the School Community Councils. By giving these support groups time and effort, the child quickly concludes that mother/dad has committed and dedicated part of the day to the educational process. This speaks volumes to the child and instills and confirms the value of the school.

Here is a summary of parental school opportunities that are available:

• School Community Councils (SCC) -- Recognizing that increased student achievement can occur only when the school communities function cohesively, the 2004 Hawaii State Legislature mandated the creation of School Community Councils at every public school under Act 51. This places important decisions at the school level. SCCs will be able to make recommendations to their school principals on academic and budgetary matters. Principals, in turn, consult with the SCCs on major issues affecting student learning. For more information about SCCs:
  
  • REACH site SCC page
  • Check with your child’s school for details about its SCC and how you can get involved.
    
    
• Parent-Community Networking Centers (PCNC) are school based centers for families, teachers, volunteers, and community to envision what can be, identify their strengths, collaborate, make decisions and create partnerships to enhance the educational performance and well-being of children. The PCNCs are focal points for networking students and their families with the resources and services of the school and community.

  The PCNC Mission is to develop a sense of community and a caring, learning network to strengthen family, neighborhood, school, and classroom for every student’s well-being and attainment of standards.

  The PCNC Goals: The PCNC, with partners, will focus on family support and will work to implement the six BOE Parent/Family Involvement Policy # 2403 components for student success:

  • Communicating
  • Parenting
  • Student Learning
  • Volunteering
  • School Decision Making
  • Collaboration with the Community

  For more information about PCNCs, click http://familysupport.k12.hi.us/PCNC/PCNC.html

  The PCNC Coordinator is a part-time position in every school. Parents wanting to volunteer should check with the PCNC coordinator who tracks all and organizes some of the volunteer projects in the school. More: Contact list of PCNCs in Military Impacted Schools
  
  

• PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) -- An established group of parents and teachers designed to promote dialogue and positive responses between the school and families. Parents have ways to improve the school program by sharing their thoughts and ideas to the school leadership and personnel. This group supports the activities of the school by volunteering manpower, skills, talents, etc., to produce desired results.
  
  
  
• Substitute teachers -- There are many parents who are qualified to be substitute teachers. Inform the school of your background, availability, and willingness – especially if you have a teaching degree.
  
  More: Substitute teacher employment
  
  
• Part-time teachers (PTTs) – The Hawaiii State DOE hires many part-time teachers to help in the schools, especially in special education classes. Interested applicants should contact the school directly.
  
  

How can parents help their child and school succeed under the NCLB act? The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) publishes "The Military Parent's Guide to No Child Left Behind" that provides valuable tips in a clear, concise, easy-to-read format. The booklet is available on MCEC's web site at http://www.militarychild.org or from any of the military School Liaison Officers (SLO) in Hawaii. 

Additional tips are available at http://www.learningfirst.org. 

It is important that parents are involved in school activities in addition to volunteering for special events or projects. In addition, parents can provide a quiet place to do homework, ensure children get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast, take an interest in school work and talk to children about what they are doing in class and teach children respect for others and responsibility for their own behavior.