With our busy lives, it’s often very hard to make it to every school fund-raiser or open house. Luckily, you can have a big impact on how your child does in school without having to attend every event. Research has shown that students with involved parents usually have higher grades, attend school regularly, graduate, and go to college.

Here are three ways to get involved:

Know what’s going on in school
The more you know about what your child is learning, the more you can help your child stay on track.

• Ask to see assignments and homework.
• Ask about projects, field trips or events in the next month.
• Talk to your child’s teacher if your child is struggling in school.
• Talk to your child’s teacher about test scores and report cards.

Participate in learning at home
Encourage learning outside of school. Show that you value your child's learning.

• Read with your child or have story time with the family.
• Spend time with your child during homework. Help with homework or ask your child explain to you what he or she is doing.
• Encourage your child to help with activities that involve math, science or reading at home. Create the monthly budget together. Talk about nutrition when eating dinner. Encourage your child to read a news story to you from the paper.

Plan your child’s time
Monitoring your child’s time will help you make sure he or she has time for school and fun. Set aside time each week. It’s not about the amount of time, but the fact that there is time set aside.

• Make time for homework.
• Make time for fun.
• Make time for family.