Pencils, check. Backpack, check. Meet the teacher night, check.

Much effort goes into the rush to secure school supplies and clothes that fit after summer growth spurts.

Yet, I remind myself that the contribution toward the education of my three children doesn't end once items are purchased and classes begin.

An entire new group of responsibilities waits for parents.

Teachers need us to work as partners through out the school year and to take an active role in the educational process. After all, children spend 70 percent of their time outside of the classroom.

In addition, study after study shows that parent involvement is key to a child's success in education.

According to the National Parent Teacher Association, benefits of an active parent include:

• Higher grades, test scores and graduation rates;

• Better school attendance;

• Increased motivation, better self-esteem;

• Lower rates of suspension;

• Decreased use of drugs and alcohol; and

• Fewer instances of violent behavior.

The value is overwhelmingly positive and the need seems clear, but life can get in the way. I personally know that working extra hours, juggling multiple children and similar factors can make being "involved" seem impossible.

Yet, reaping the benefits doesn't have to include spending our days helping at the elementary school or being a whiz at math — although I understand from my mother, a kindergarten teacher, that educators appreciate both.

Instead, experts say we can make a difference by watching over our children, encouraging skill development and being attentive to their environment.

Six reasonable actions by parents can give children the base they need to be more successful in school, according to Anne Henderson and Nancy Berla in "A New Generation of Evidence: The Family is Critical to Student Achievement."

Their suggestions are worth clipping out and sticking on the refrigerator as a reminder of what can be done to ensure a better way of life for our children.

1. Establish a daily family routine. Examples: Providing time and a quiet place to study, assigning responsibility for household chores, being firm about bedtime and having dinner together.

2. Monitor out-of-school activities. Examples: Setting limits on TV watching, checking up on children when parents are not home, arranging for after-school activities and supervised care.

3. Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work. Examples: Communicating through questioning and conversation, demonstrating that achievement comes from working hard.

4. Express high but realistic expectations for achievement. Examples: Setting goals and standards that are appropriate for children's age and maturity, recognizing and encouraging special talents, informing friends and family about successes.

5. Encourage children's development/ progress in school. Examples: Maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in children's progress at school, helping with homework, discussing the value of a good education and possible career options, staying in touch with teachers and school staff.

6. Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members. Examples: Reading, listening to children read and talking about what is being read.

And along with those goals, just maybe we also can find a few moments to help with a holiday party or volunteer to assist in the school library.

Rayanne Schmid is editor and publisher of The Daily Sentinel.