How Can I Get Involved in My Child’s Education? A Macomb County Educator’s 5 Tips

When Lisa Wujczyk talks about family involvement in education, her enthusiasm is contagious. 

“We are all on the same team,” says the principal of Indian Hills Elementary in Macomb County’s Washington, part of Romeo Community Schools. “Parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, lunch supervisors — all of us are here to support a child’s success.”

With more than 20 years in education, Wujczyk has seen how even small steps can make a big difference. “You don’t have to hold your child’s hand through every moment, but you do want to be connected,” she says. “That connection is how you can best support their success.”

Here are her top five suggestions for making that connection strong.

5 ways to get involved in your child’s education

1. Learn your school’s communication pathways

“Communication has changed a lot in the last 20 years,” Wujczyk says. “It used to be a monthly newsletter and maybe a weekly note from the teacher. Now, there are so many pathways that it can actually be a little confusing.”

Ask early about your school’s preferred communication tools — whether that’s an app, email, the school website or social media. If multiple caregivers are involved, make sure everyone knows how to access the information. This clarity can prevent missed updates and help you respond quickly when needed.

2. Keep contact information current

“Children’s safety is our top priority,” Wujczyk explains. “That means we can only communicate with people who have been approved by the primary caregiver.”

Whether it’s a grandparent, step-parent or family friend helping with school responsibilities, make sure their name is on the official contact form. Update this information whenever your household changes so teachers can respond promptly to the right people.

3. Explore volunteer opportunities that fit your interests

For some, the PTO or PTA is a great way to connect with the school as a whole. 

“That’s one pathway,” Wujczyk says, “but it’s not the only one.”

Other options include helping in the library, assisting at lunch or recess, preparing classroom materials or reading with small groups of students. 

Ask your school about the possibilities and be ready to complete a background check, which is standard in most districts.

4. Show up for parent-teacher conferences and check in between

Wujczyk’s school holds formal conferences twice a year and aims for 100% family participation in the fall. “We want every child represented,” she says.

But those aren’t the only opportunities to connect. Regular communication is welcome, especially to share something your child is experiencing at home.

“If your child is going through a big change — maybe a loss in the family or a challenge outside school — let us know,” she says. Teachers can offer extra support in the classroom and connect families with resources such as counseling or local food programs.

5. Support learning with healthy routines at home

“This is the most critical piece of parent involvement,” Wujczyk says, “and it doesn’t even require stepping into the school.”

Consistent bedtimes, morning schedules and self-care habits help children feel secure and ready to focus. 

Teach them to handle small tasks like putting on shoes, zipping a backpack and using the restroom independently. “Healthy, sustainable routines set your child up for success,” she says, “and you don’t have to be PTO president to make that happen.”

Final word

Even when parents and teachers see things differently, Wujczyk says remembering the shared goal — a child’s success — can help everyone work together. 

“If we all remember that we’re on the same side, we can work through anything,” she says. And while there’s no single right way to be involved, every effort matters. 

Whether you show up at conferences, help in the library, or simply keep a strong routine at home, you’re building the foundation for your child to thrive both in school and in life.

This content is sponsored by Macomb Intermediate School District.

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.

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