KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the 2017/2018 school year approaches the National Parent Teacher’s Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) is encouraging parents to get and stay involved in their children’s school lives.

The association, in a release today, outlined the following tips and ways parents can to stay involved:

1. Attend orientation days, visit school and meet their new teachers. Establish and maintain contact.

2. Get your hands on the syllabus, follow up on homework and ensure all projects are completed and handed in on time.

3. Ensure you familiarise yourself with the rules of the school and ensure your child abides by the rules.

4. When in doubt, seek information/assistance from the relevant sources.

5. Ensure your children get to school on time, in proper attire, and ensure they get home early enough in the evenings to get homework started and prepare for the next day.

6. Children must be home by 8.00pm, preferably earlier if not travelling with you.

 7. Establish bed times and help set up study schedules for your children.

8. Limit television, Internet and social media interaction during school days.

9. Ensure proper nutrition is maintained at home and at school.

10. Know where your child is at all times. The security of your children is your responsibility first.

11. Know who your child is hanging out with. Meet their friends’ parents, know where they live.

12. Get involved in your PTA, attend PTA meetings and grade meetings, volunteer your time, donate to worthy causes, and help make your school communities stronger. Please, please, do not drop off your child on orientation day and go missing until graduation day.

NPTAJ said being involved will make a world of difference to the quality of the child’s education and growth, and will help build the foundation upon which Jamaica’s future leaders will stand and lead the world in years to come.