Hi everyone! I just wanted to share this. Not exactly my words, but I couldn't have said it better! This was taken from an article from school family.com. I thought it was interesting and I hope you will too! 
-Lori

What if you could help your child enjoy school more, get better grades, and reduce behavior problems at the same time? Reams of research has shown that regardless of parents’ income and educational background, their involvement in education helps their kids do better in and out of school.

1. HIGHER GRADES
Kids whose parents are involved in their education get better grades and have higher test scores. And the more parents are involved, the more their children seem to benefit. A study of parents highly involved in the educational process showed that their children were more likely to improve in reading and math.

2. BETTER BEHAVIOR 
Kids develop better social skills and show improved behavior when their parents are involved at school. Studies have also shown that kids are less likely to skip school, less disruptive in class, and more likely to do their homework when their parents are involved. One study showed that when dads are highly involved in schools, their children enjoy school more and are less likely to be suspended, expelled, or required to repeat a grade.

3. IMPROVED EDUCATION
Research shows that parent involvement can help improve the quality of schools, raise teacher morale, and improve a school’s reputation in the community. Involved parents gain the respect of teachers; as a result, teachers have higher expectations of their children. Involvement pays off in the long term, too: Children stay in school longer and are more likely to continue their education after high school.

4. INCREASED CONFIDENCE
When students feel supported at home and school, they develop more positive attitudes about school, have more self-confidence, and place a higher priority on academic achievement. Children of involved parents are more likely to feel that they’re accepted, included, and respected at school.

5. PARENTS BENEFIT, TOO
When parents become involved in their children’s education, they become more comfortable in the school building, gain confidence in their parenting skills, and feel more capable of helping their children learn. They’re also more likely to continue their own education.

Involvement is easy! 
You don’t have to log hundreds of volunteer hours for your child to benefit. Even if you can only volunteer a few hours a year, every little bit counts. If you’re ready to do more, your school’s parent-teacher group (Aurora's PTO) can help you find ways to get involved that fit both your schedule and your interests.
For more of these helpful tips, visit SchoolFamily.com—and help your kids make the most of their school year.

Hello to all who may be reading this! I wanted to take a couple of minutes to introduce myself and our PTO board members for the upcoming school year. My name is Lori Bateman and I'll be your new president for the 2013-2014 school year. My husband, David, and I have 3 kids. My oldest daughter, Elaine, will be in 4th grade, my son, Jack, will be in 1st grade, and my youngest daughter, Grace, is only 2, so she is home with me. We moved to West Fargo in 2011 from St. Petersburg, FL and overall really love it here (well, everything but the winters! Ha!). 

The two things I love most about West Fargo are the people (it's true...you guys are warm and that makes up for those frigid winter temps!) and the schools. In FL, the public schools were not good, so we chose to send Elaine to a private school. So, to be honest, I was a little nervous to make the switch to public. However, my daughter adjusted so well and has had two amazing years at Aurora! As a former educator myself, that tells me a couple of things. First, the teachers and staff at the school have a real passion for educating, and second, parents are involved. It really does make a huge difference in the school when parents are partners in  their child's education. 

I became involved with the PTO during that 1st school year we were here and met some really dedicated moms and dads. I was vice president last year and am absolutely thrilled to be president this year! There are so many awesome opportunities to get plugged into and make a difference in your child's elementary experience. I'll be sharing some of those at our 1st meeting (September 3rd at 7pm in the Library  and as always, free childcare will be provided!). Please come join us and get a preview of what is in store for this school year!

Now enough about me and onto the 3 fabulous ladies I have the privilege to share the board with! Erica Johnson, who is a 2nd grade teacher at Bennett, is our new vice president (also known as "president-elect"). She has wonderful ideas and we are thrilled to have her on the board (I may have twisted her arm just a bit to take the position, but I'm really glad she accepted it!). She has 2 children, Dylan starting 2nd grade and Lydia in preschool. 

Tanya Thompson, who was one of the very first people to befriend me when we first moved here, will be reprising her role as secretary this year. She did an awesome job last year and I am so thankful she's on the board again this year! She has 3 children. Her oldest, Cole, will be starting high school and her twins, Megan and Luke, will be in 4th grade. 

Last, but certainly not least, is Tracy Boehm, our treasurer. She so graciously accepted this position mid-school year while she was 8 months pregnant and did an incredible job (with her newborn right by her side!). I am so happy that she is willing to handle all of our finances again this year!! Besides her baby, she has 3 other children.

When you come to registration, please stop by and meet us at the PTO table (that's also the spot to pick up the school supply kits, if you ordered one). Can't wait to kick off the new school year with you!
-Lori