Helping your tween enjoy a productive school year requires more than your checkbook (for buying pens, pencils, backpacks). It also requires your involvement.

Here are three easy-to-follow steps you can follow to improve your middle school or junior high student's success:

• Check on your child's school progress. Find out who the teachers or key school personnel are that you need to know. Introduce yourself and tell them who your child is. Encourage them to contact you if they have any concerns.
  
  
• Monitor your child's homework. Establish clear expectations for completing homework (e.g., assignments must be done before watching TV).
  
  
• Get involved with your child's school. Volunteer to help in your child's classroom or with class activities when your schedule allows. You may want to join the PTA or sports booster clubs.

Have a great school year!