It's critical that parents, and others in the community, actively support their schools. Research shows that such involvement causes children to behave better, earn higher grades, score better on tests and graduate at higher rates.

If you can't volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis, you should at least consider using an occasional vacation day to chaperone a field trip or help with a special class project. Even when you can't get to school, you can send in cupcakes or help plan a class party.

Schools also need parent volunteers for projects that stretch beyond individual classrooms. You can learn what's going on by attending parent-teacher organization meetings. You also can talk to the principal about how the school might use your help.

Think before you sign up

Before signing up for a specific committee or project, think carefully about your talents, interests, work style and schedule. That will help you find the right fit and make your volunteer time more productive and satisfying.

For example, if you can't attend a lot of meetings but don't mind working at the home computer after your child is in bed, look for a project that you can do at your convenience, such as keeping records for a fund-raiser. If you hate to cook, offer to solicit bake-sale donations instead of making something yourself.

Find out if any of your special skills mesh with an ongoing project. Your expertise in marketing, computer programming, landscaping--or any other area--might be put to use after work or on weekends.

Don't wait to be asked. Check early in the year, find out what's needed, and volunteer for a job you'd like and can fit into your schedule. That way you'll get first pick of the available jobs and can avoid being pushed into a task you'd rather not do.

Involve your employer

Parents' employers can be valuable partners for schools, too. Think creatively about what yours might be willing to do.

Some parents get their firms to donate supplies or equipment, for example. Could yours print a brochure, give door prizes for a fund-raising event, provide small incentives for kids to read a certain number of books, host a work-site tour for students or supply speakers for career day?

Make sure your boss gets a thank-you letter from the school for whatever he or she does, to pave the way for future involvement.

On the home front

Part of supporting your school is being a partner at home. That includes reading to your child every day, making sure she completes her homework, and seeing that she gets enough sleep and has a good breakfast.

Also, be sure to read the notices that come home from school and to respond promptly to requests for information or signed forms. You want your child's teacher to spend her time teaching, not coping with parents who fail to return permission slips and immunization records.