Raising a child is the most challenging responsibility for any parent, grandparent or guardian.  As the child grows, you want to maintain and/or improve your relationship, but your schedule, job, phone calls and household chores can provide unwanted distractions.

This year, Cook County Schools has an easy way for you to "Be There" for your child on a daily basis.  When you're going through the ordinary routines of driving to school, preparing a meal, doing the laundry, shopping for groceries, just take a single moment and make eye contact, smile, give a hug or ask a question.  The results will be extraordinary.  You can be your child's favorite teacher by creating a teachable moment during these everyday situations.

Connecting with your child doesn't have to take time or cost you money.  A touching "Be There" moment can happen in a split second, in any place.  Throughout the school year, you'll see evidence of these moments on a multimedia campaign that will include posters, billboards, banners, and a series of flyers you will receive in the mail.  They are local people truly connecting with a child doing activities they ordinarily do. 

"Parent involvement is a key factor in student success," says Dr. Fred Rayfield, Superintendent of Schools.  "What's most interesting about the research on this topic is that it's the parent's role outside of school, their involvement at home, that has the greatest impact on student achievement."

It is our children, the students, who have the most to gain when we, as parents, mentors, grandparents, or simply an adult who cares about our future, takes the time to show it.  When one adult takes a moment to "Be There," it matters.

Please take a moment to visit the "Be There" web site to learn more about how you can help. 

www.bethere.org