A successful partnership between home and school largely depends upon common knowledge, direct and honest communication, mutual respect, and focus on solution through shared responsibility.

Attitudes

• See yourself as a contributor to enhanced learning.
• Be willing to give your time and talents (not just complaints).
• Be assertive, not adversarial.
• Take time to say 'thank you' to your child's teachers and other school staff.
• Develop rapport with your child's teachers.
• Be respectful of the teaching profession... being a "know-it-all" will get you nowhere.

In the Classroom

• Share your child's "at home" work and creativity at appropriate times.
• Find a constructive reason to help in the classroom when appropriate.
• Volunteer as a "teacher's helper" in the classroom, or work with classroom teachers to help organize curriculum-related field trips, guest speakers, and/or displays.
• Volunteer or assist in other areas of the school such as media, computer, art, or front office.
• Volunteer for "non-gifted" school activities to give balance to your purpose and credibility to your cause.