September 10, 2010
Julia Russell Eells, Head of School

Hooked on Involvement

Although at the time I vowed that I wouldn’t miss the days of selling candy at my son’s baseball games, painting faces at the PTA carnival, and shelving books in the library, they came to an abrupt end.  My children are now in their twenties and my volunteer energies have shifted to work on boards and committees in the community, but I miss the days of setting up three-legged races for field day and being a special guest reader in the second grade.

A variety of studies confirm what we know from experience—that parent involvement makes an enormous impact on students' attitude, attendance, and academic achievement. Not surprisingly, teachers and parents work together most effectively within a partnership of mutual concern for the growth and welfare of the student.

At Lincoln, the Parents Association goals are to support Lincoln School’s philosophy, programs, and activities for the benefit of its students. The organization serves to welcome new families, build a sense of community, facilitate communication, and encourage and model volunteerism. The Parents Association provides the opportunity for any parent to be involved with the school through various projects, events and activities. When families get involved with Lincoln, we become stronger as an organization and as a community. 

I urge all fathers, mothers, grandparents and guardians in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools to volunteer at least once annually for an event or activity, not only for the assistance you can provide, but also for you own satisfaction and for the joy of getting to know the wonderful children and teachers who make up our community.

There are many ways to get involved—some right away, some coming up; keep your eye out all year long.  Here are some questions you might ask yourself:  Do I have a special hobby or do I work in a field that would be of interest to my daughter’s classroom or teacher? Have I taken my younger daughter (or son) to an interscholastic game at Lincoln?  Our Faxon Farm campus is a beautiful place and watching our girls in action is fun! Have I asked my daughter’s coach if there is something I can do/provide to help build team camaraderie—a pasta dinner, after-game treats? Do I know about Book Lynx? How can I help? Have I looked into the On Our Minds Discussion Series? Do I know that musical and dramatic productions are taking place at Lincoln—another great evening out with your family! How can I support my daughter in the performing arts?  Refreshments at concerts? Cast parties?  Have I signed up to assist with the Rhode Island Festival of Children's Book and Authors or the Light Up Lincoln fundraiser that supports our financial aid program?

Every day we ask our girls to reach out, to take a risk, and to be involved in their learning and in their school community.  The best modeling we could do as parents is to do the same.  I encourage you to extend a hand, give a call, or stop in to ask how you might get involved at Lincoln.  No doubt you’ll get hooked.