Non Custodial Parent Final9-16

Remember, your children measure how WHAT RESEARCH important they are to you by the time you spend TELLS US with them and the way you talk and interact with them. You send your children a powerful The U.S. Department of Education indicates message about the value of education when you In the Best Interest that while mothers' involvement is beneficial become involved in theirs. for the social and of the Child emotional adjustment of children to school, fathers' involvement may be key to academic success. Additionally, noncustodial parent What Parents Can Do involvement—especially the father’s Sources: involvement—is shown to: 1. National Fatherhood Initiative. 2. Father Need, by Kyle D. Pruett, M.D., Broadway  Boost academic performance, even IQ. Books, 2000. U.S. 3. Department of Education (Nord, Brimhall, and  Contribute to raising achievement test West, 1997). scores. 4. The Mediating Role of Fathers’ School Involvement on Student Achievement, by Brent McBride et al,  Improve competency in math and Applied Developmental Psychology 26 (2005). problem-solving. 5. Reaching All Families: Creating Family-Friendly Schools--August 1996. http://www.ed.gov/pubs/  Improve reading skills, especially for ReachFam/sg.html. girls.

 Strengthen verbal skills for boys and girls.  Foster self-esteem by showing that Parent Involvement school and education are important.

 Enhance social and emotional competencies. for

 Increase the likelihood of postsecondary education. Noncustodial Parents Created by:  Contribute to lower absenteeism and FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS dropout rates. www.fcps.edu/cco/fam

Printed through an Access and Visitation grant from the Virginia Department of Social Services

IN THE BEST INTEREST The following information and suggestions are BE INVOLVED AT SCHOOL OF THE CHILD designed to help both parents understand the AND AT HOME importance of being active participants in their The goal of noncustodial parent involvement is to  Explore ways to stay connected with the school via e-mail, school website, and enhance and enrich the education and child’s education and development. automated message system. development of the child. In most cases, the  Partner with the school by understanding and opportunity for noncustodial parents to be COMMUNICATE enforcing school policies on homework, research projects, attendance, and behavior. involved in their children’s education is a Noncustodial parents have the right to receive school-related documents; however, it is the  desirable, valuable, and precious experience for Partner with the teacher to create and foster a learning environment at home that supports responsibility of the noncustodial parent to request both the children and the parents. what is being taught at school.

that information from the school. While schools are required to provide Take advantage of the many school-related A parent who is involved both at home and at volunteer and involvement opportunities: school and who takes the time to read to his or access to this information, they are  Join the PTA, PTSA, or PTO. her child, to monitor not required to initiate this process or  Read to your child’s class homework, and to attend to pay for copying or mailing these or become a mentor or tutor. parent-teacher conferences documents. Each school handles such  Be a guest speaker in shows the child and the requests individually. your child’s classroom. school that this parent cares Talk about your job, To facilitate this process and establish realistic hobbies, travels, etc. enough to be involved. expectations between the parents and the school,  Attend Back-to-School both custodial and noncustodial parents can make an Night, parent-teacher Parents can take a variety of steps to conferences, school productions, athletic events, communicate with their child’s school, stay appointment to meet with school administrators at and other school-related activities. involved in their child’s education, and lessen the the beginning of the school year to discuss:  Chaperone field trips or other school events, or offer to carpool. risk of putting their child in the middle of  Any relevant court orders or other legal documents relating to the student.  Visit the school to have lunch with your child. parental conflict.  Their interests in and concerns about parent  Coach a team, lead a scout troop, or sponsor a involvement opportunities. club or an activity. Sometimes, loving parents unwittingly create an  Read to your child when you are together, and unhealthy learning environment for their child  Their rights and responsibilities in requesting and receiving school-related documents and mailings. let your child read to you. due to unresolved conflict between each other.  Help with playground construction and  How and when they want the school to contact maintenance, or participate in fundraisers This may include gatekeeping—one parent trying them. (car washes, bake sales, etc.). to discourage the involvement of the other.