At Home

Ask about their homework—what it is, when it's due—and check to make sure they do it.
Provide a quiet place, with a good light and away from distractions, for them to do homework.
Make sure they get a good night's sleep each night and eat a healthy, substantial breakfast each morning.
Talk to them about school for a least a few minutes each day to let them know you're interested and that you think school is important.
Teach them respect for others and responsibility for their own behavior.
Make sure they get regular health and dental check-ups.
Limit children's exposure to television and video games.
Be positive about school. If parents say, "I wasn't good at school," or, "I really didn't like school," this can turn children away from learning.
Check your children's school websites regularly to keep informed.
Continue to encourage your children to read. Don't let television, video games, or friends absorb all of their free time.
Talk to your children about their specific interest related to school – subjects or teachers they like, clubs or extracurricular activities, books they are reading, projects they are working on, etc.
Discuss their choice of courses with them so they are well prepared for different options after high school.
Begin discussing with them what they might like to do after they graduate from high school.
Know your children's friends, where they live, and, if possible, their parents.
If your children work part-time, make sure this doesn't interfere with schoolwork or getting a good night's sleep during the week.
Continue to celebrate school success with appropriate rewards. Even though they may seem embarrassed, your children will appreciate your enthusiasm for their good work.

At School

Get a copy of your children's schedules each semester.
Find out what guidance is available to your children in choosing a college and applying for—and finding—scholarships and loans.
Volunteer for school activities—chaperone a school dance or field trip, help with sports events, etc.
Serve on school committees that involve parents, such as the Absegami PTSA
Attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher nights to meet your children's teachers.
If you are concerned about something, meet with your children's teachers promptly, before a minor issue becomes a major problem.
If possible, volunteer—regularly or even just occasionally—at your children's schools. You will get to know the school better and show your children that you consider education very important.