The real deal is real simple. Your children will be having an open house at their school. It will likely come in the first week of school. To go or not to go ... that is the question.

As a concerned parent and teacher I would like to share some ideas that will encourage you to do the right thing. Go to your childs' P.T.O. meeting. It may be called an open house but it is all the same. It is very important that you attend.

Your childs' school will be getting ready for the open house and will receive you with open arms. It is very important that you attend the first open house. The open house will give you an opportunity to get to know the teachers and support staff that will be working with your most prized possession. It will also get them a chance to meet you and realize that you are a concerned parent. Think about this... it would be nice if the first time you met teachers and the principal is a positive meeting. Don't let the first meeting be a time when your child has made a bad decision.

Not only is it important to start of on a positive note, but there is a great chance that your childs' school needs your help. The P.T.O. is a very valuable and important organization in our schools. Each and every parent should attend the first meeting so that they can join the P.T.O. and decide how they will participate as a member. Parents are needed to actually hold offices in the organization. A president, vice president, secretary and treasurer will be key components to the success of the organization and ultimately to the part they play in the every day functions of the school.

If an officer is not where your talent lies then you may need to sign up to be a volunteer. When you are put on the list it makes you eligible to make a difference in your childs' school. Some of the areas that need volunteers are: Making pop corn at the ball game, helping with field trips, helping with field days, chaperoning dances or academic field trips. While this list is not all inclusive, it certainly should express the need for volunteers in the P.T.O.

I encourage you to be a responsible parent and do all that you can to be an active participant in your childs' education. Being active in the P.T.O. and attending that first open house are rewarding steps that will be helpful to you, your child, and the school they attend. Do not miss out on the opportunity to be a parent that can make a difference.