Parents: You are the Key! The evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing: families have a major influence on their children’s achievement. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” Anne T. Henderson, Karen L. Mapp September 2016 Parents: You are the Key! Be School-Involved & Engaged: Let your child’s teachers know about his strengths, interests and challenges. Know what your child is learning and studying and find out what the teachers expect. Read together for 20 minutes every day (through middle school). Attend school events and parent/teacher conferences. Be sure your child has school supplies all year long. School Volunteers are Welcome! At home: help teachers prepare classroom materials At school: help in the classroom, media center, with school events or field trips. After hours: join a committee. Encourage family and friends to volunteer, too. Register to volunteer at school and ask how to log your volunteer hours!! Save the Date! Family Involvement Conference Saturday, November 5, 2016 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Anne Arundel Community College Key Note Speaker: Dr. George Arlotto, AACPS School Superintendent Engaging Breakout Sessions Limited Childcare   Watch for More Details!! Volunteer of the Year Presented May 19, 2016 Kathleen Parlett Crofton Meadows Elementary School For sixteen years of enthusiastic dedication to enriching the Crofton Meadows School learning community. Volunteer of the Month June 2016 Kathy Hayes Ridgeway Elementary School for her unwavering dedication to enrich students’ school experiences, support teachers and enhance the school environment.         Home Routines Can Impact School Attendance & Success Getting to school on-time, every-day is a leading factor in students’ school success at every grade level. Students who are late to school can experience stress, anxiety, and frustration – emotions that block their readiness to learn and to get along. When adults stick with predictable schedules, including bedtime, meal, and morning routines, the children, even pre-kindergarteners, are more likely to attend school everyday and on time.