• Toomer Parent’s Guide to Engagement

    50 Ways to Be Involved in Your Child’s Education

    At Toomer Elementary, we know that parent engagement comes in all forms—from small daily habits to larger commitments. Whether you have 5 minutes, a free evening, or time to volunteer, there’s a way to be involved that fits your schedule. Every action—big or small—helps build a stronger school community!

    Daily & At-Home Engagement

    Quick, meaningful ways to support your child’s learning!

    ✅ Get your child to school every day—attendance matters!
    ✅ Ask about their school day and homework—simple conversations make a big impact.
    ✅ Encourage your child to sign up for an extracurricular activity to build confidence and friendships.
    ✅ Encourage your child to read—or read to them at night to build literacy skills.
    ✅ Help set up a homework-friendly space at home for better focus.
    ✅ Establish a consistent bedtime and ensure your child eats breakfast (at home or at school).
    ✅ Get to know your child’s friends’ names to stay connected to their social world.
    ✅ Celebrate your child’s successes and accomplishments—big or small!
    ✅ Help your child learn independence by encouraging them to take on responsibilities.
    ✅ Monitor screen time in a way that works best for your family—balance is key!
    ✅ Check Infinite Campus regularly to stay updated on grades and progress.

    Community Connection

    Stay informed & connected with fellow Toomer parents!

    ✅ Say hi to another parent at drop-off or pick-up—building relationships starts with a hello!
    ✅ Follow Toomer PTA on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.
    ✅ Join the private Facebook group for Toomer families for real-time updates.
    ✅ Sign up for PTA emails to get important school updates.
    ✅ Read the grade-level & school-wide newsletters—quick and full of useful info!
    ✅ Set up your Class Dojo account to communicate with teachers and other classroom parents.
    ✅ Read the Toomer parent handbook to understand school policies.
    ✅ Talk to neighbors and friends about Toomer and invite them to a “Let’s Talk about Toomer” Zoom panel.
    ✅ Ask teachers/staff to explain education jargon—you’re not the only one wondering!
    ✅ Learn how school/district policies impact your child’s education.
    ✅ Know our school board representatives & participate in elections (we are in District #3).

    School Engagement

    Opportunities to show up & support your child’s school experience!

    ✅ Attend parent-teacher conferences in the fall and spring.
    ✅ Attend a school performance or a family learning night.
    ✅ Have lunch with your child at school for a fun midday visit.
    ✅ Volunteer at an event—helping hands make a big difference!
    ✅ Volunteer in your child’s classroom—even small tasks help.
    ✅ Chaperone a field trip and experience learning outside the classroom.
    ✅ Speak at Career Day to inspire students about different careers.
    ✅ Offer to sponsor an after-school club if you have a skill or passion to share.

    Supporting the Toomer Community

    Help provide resources for students & staff!

    ✅ Donate to fundraising efforts—every dollar helps improve our school!
    ✅ Buy a Toomer t-shirt from the Spirit Store to show school spirit.
    ✅ Buy snacks for your child’s classroom—teachers always appreciate extras!
    ✅ Purchase an item from the school’s Amazon Wish List to support classrooms.
    ✅ Donate gently used items to the Uniform Closet for students in need.

    Advocacy & Leadership

    Use your voice to make a difference!

    ✅ Learn the names of teachers, staff, and your child’s bus driver—they’re part of your child’s daily life!
    ✅ Get a Toomer yard sign by emailing the PTA at fatepta@gmail.com.
    ✅ Attend a PTA Dine Out event—meet other families & raise money for Toomer.
    ✅ Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss progress or concerns.
    ✅ Meet with school administration to advocate for your child or needed change.
    ✅ Talk to the school counselor about supporting your child’s social-emotional learning.
    ✅ Offer to be a friendly face/resource for new Toomer parents.
    ✅ Join the PTA—or chair a committee to get involved in decision-making.
    ✅ Run for a position on the Toomer GO Team to help shape school policies.

    No matter your schedule, there’s a way for you to be an engaged Toomer parent. Whether it’s helping with homework, attending an event, or advocating for change, your involvement strengthens our school community and helps every student thrive.

    Want to get started? Have questions? Email fatepta@gmail.com—we’d love to help you find the best way to engage!