Parent and School Partnerships
Why should families and schools partner?
According to the United States Department of Education, 30 years of research shows that family involvement is a very important part of every child's education. In fact, family involvement has proven to be the most important predictor of a child's academic success. Although many families become less involved with their child's school as the child get older, this is actually the most important time for families and schools to work together.

When you are involved, your child is more likely to stay in school, get better grades, and think about his future when a parent supports learning. A father's involvement is particularly important. When fathers take an interest children have less experimentation with drugs, delay sexual experimentation, marry later, and are more likely to graduate and have a successful career. You are the most important influence in your child's life and have the power to create messages that put him on the road to success
Here are some ways to be more involved with your child's education:
1. Getting Ready for School
Send your child to school in good health, dressed properly, with enough sleep and with the school supplies she needs. This can be a challenge for many reasons. If you are struggling with any of these things, call RIPIN at 401-727-4144 for ideas.
2. Visiting School
Visit your child's school. This could happen perhaps a day or two before school begins or about a month into the year. Let the teacher know that you care about your child's school life and that you would like to know what will be studied. Ask for a copy of the curriculum, and how you can help at home.
3. Offer Your Help
Offer to be helpful in the classroom or school, if you have opportunities to do that. Even if you are not available during the traditional school day, your child's teacher or principal may be able to suggest things that can be done during hours that you are available.
4. Talk with Your Child
Talk with your child daily about her school day, homework and how things are going. Ask very specific questions, otherwise you may get answers like "okay," "fine," "whatever." To get more detailed answers, begin your sentence with "Tell me about...?"
5. Changes at Home
If there are any changes in your family situation such as separation, new baby, divorce, death of family member or pet, move to another house, etc., let your child's teacher know about them. All of these things can and often do affect the way your child functions in school.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Kenney at 401-727-4144 x124, 800-464-3399 x124 or kenney@ripin.org. You may also click here for a list of links related to parent and school partnerships.