Dear editor:

The 2014-2015 school year has begun.

Many schools will host an open house or back-to-school night. An open house is an event held at an institution where its doors are open to the general public to allow people to have a look around to gain information on it.

According to studies, the main reasons parents should attend open house are: it is important that you know your child’s teacher; it reinforces a positive teacher-parent relationship; it allows you to see the resources of the school and classroom; it makes the school more likely to become better; and it sends a great message to your child.

Today’s society has shown that the higher the grade, the fewer number of parents that attend an open house and other informational meetings.

Most elementary schools’ functions are well attended by parents. When a child gets older, parents’ attendance decreases. A school needs parental support throughout a child’s entire educational journey.

When planning for the annual open house, school personnel should think about the three P’s: publicity, planning and preparation.

Several teachers and the U.S. Department of Education compiled some tips on how to organize a great open house. One vital tip was the creation of a parent handbook. The handbook should include the following:

• A statement of the school’s goals and philosophy.
• The school’s discipline policy, including procedures regarding absence and tardiness.
• The timing of report cards and progress reports.
• Procedures on how to ask about student difficulties.
• Emergency procedures for bad weather and other events.
• Transportation schedules.
• Provisions for after-school activities.

Descriptions of special programs at the school, such as after-school enrichment or child-care programs.
Detailed parent-involvement policies and practices at the school, including a “Bill of Rights” for parents, a “ Code of Parent Responsibilities,” a schedule for parent-teacher conferences (teacher’s planning period), and opportunities for parents to get involved in volunteer programs, advisory councils, and PTAs or PTOs.

Gerald Shirley is the former Selma City Schools superintendent of education.