Whether your child is in kindergarten or 10th grade, one of the most effective ways to ensure his success at school is to be as involved as you can. By volunteering your time, you gain first-hand insight into his daily activities and interactions, so you can put his day (and those precious after-school comments) into context.
   
Here are some strategies to help you accomplish this goal and make sure you all get off to school on the right foot:

> Contact your child’s teacher over the summer. Establishing a good rapport and maintaining strong communications with this teacher is critical. Most schools host a Meet the Teacher Day or an Open House before the first day to allow parents to become familiar with the school and the teacher. For specific concerns, contact the school office over the summer to make arrangements to meet your child’s teacher separately to let her know you are ready and willing to help. If this isn’t possible, write a personal letter to start the year off on a positive note.

> Determine how much time you can volunteer. With a standard 9-to-5 work schedule, or even if you are a stay-at-home mom, you likely have limited time to spend at your child’s school. Be clear about just how much time you can commit, and have a full understanding of the responsibilities you’re accepting. For example, if you sign up to be a room mom or a member of the
hospitality committee, those positions tend to require your time and attention on an ongoing basis. If you’re helping out with the end-of-year party or school beautification project, those typically occur once or twice a year. Figure out what works best for you so that you can keep your commitments.

> Find opportunities. When you attend Back-To-School night or Open House, inquire about parent involvement. Many schools allow the teacher to decide how much parents can be in the classroom. So ask what would help her the most throughout the year. During these events, the teacher may have posted sign-up sheets for upcoming field trips, reading-group and classroom supply helpers, and room moms. It’s a great time to ask your child’s teacher how he or she prefers to be contacted – by phone or e-mail. Stay in close contact with the teacher during the year, and continue to ask how you can help out in the classroom and at home.   

> Share your talents. While you may not be able to get into the school on a set schedule (such as weekly literacy groups) or step into the role of a PTA officer, there are a surprisingly wide variety of opportunities to help – just get creative. If you have a special skill or something unique to offer related to your career or outside interests, discuss how you might share these with the teacher. If you are a great writer or computer expert, for example, you might be able to host a young writers’ workshop or volunteer some time helping out in the school computer lab.


Green school stuff
> Klean Kanteen
Try 12-ounce stainless-steel reusable bottles that are lightweight, fit inside most lunch boxes and come in three fun colors. For littler kids who are “green” with envy as big brother gets on the bus, give them a stainless-steel sippy cup.
nubiusorganics.com; $15.95/$19.95

> A greener No. 2
Consider the PaperMate Earth Write pencils, made from 100 percent recycled materials.
$4.39 a box at officedepot.com
   
Or check out Smencils, made from recycled newspapers and infused with yummy scents for write-and-sniff fun.
$10 for a 10-pack at uncommongoods.com

> Recycled rubber backpacks
They’re a long-lasting, ultra-cool alternative made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled rubber.
$70 at greenhome.com


Conquer morning madness!
If there’s one part of going back to school that every mom dislikes, it’s the chaotic morning rush. There are so many decisions to make – what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, what to have for lunch. And if your kids aren’t morning people, these choices can be maddening. Here’s how to make these choices a little easier on the kids and YOU:

> On your computer, create a restaurant-style order form listing all the options for breakfast, snack and lunch. Each night, have your kids place their “orders” for the next day. Also, create a suggestion box for what they should wear. Collect their order forms the next day and enjoy a hassle-free morning.


Tips to save your sanity
1. Create a calendar schedule book: Purchase binders for each child in different colors and fill it with a calendar and upcoming schedules for school and extracurricular activities. Give them to each child a week before school starts so they can become familiar with the new calendar and make adjustments at their own pace.

2. Set up a homework station: Decide where and when your kids will do their homework, and stock the area with all of the necessary supplies. That way, there will be no distractions when it comes time to hit the books.

 3. Give them an info card: Laminate an index card, complete with important information, to be kept in their backpacks. Include addresses, emergency contact information and home, cell and work numbers. Knowing that your child has this important information with him will help set your mind at ease.

4. Double-up on shopping: While you’re out buying pencils and notebooks in bulk, keep in mind the other events that will pop up throughout the year, such as birthday parties, teacher-appreciation days and those ongoing classroom requests.


Nifty ways to get organized
If your mind freezes with “mommy brain syndrome” – like when you stand at the top of the stairs aimlessly pacing, wondering why you’re up there – these products are for you. Let your brain take a break, and keep all of your thoughts in the handiest of locations: your doorknob! The following items are perfect for that mad dash out the door to school and work:
> Door Hangers: To Do List - thepaperprincess.com; $12
> Hang It All! Doorganizers - uncommongoods.com; $15

Maria Bailey is a contributing writer and author of the best-selling book “Trillion-Dollar Moms.”