If your child does not live with both parents, let the school know. Tell the teacher and principal that both parents are interested in what's going on in school. Usually, schools will be happy to work with both parents. They will mail information to both.

Give the school addresses and phone numbers for both parents. And be sure your child's teacher understands the family situation.

Make plans for how you will handle school activities. Often, both parents attend evening events. If possible, consider attending conferences together. Or arrange for one parent to attend conferences in the fall and the other in the spring.

Both parents can be involved with the school. Each parent might set aside a day to have lunch with their child.

With a little extra effort, you can help your child see that you are both concerned about how well he does in school. That should lead to a happier . . . and more successful . . . year for all of you.

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