Eric Sheninger is the Principal at New Milford High School in Bergen County, NJ. He is passionate about establishing and fostering learning environments that are student-centered, and prepare all learners to succeed in the 21st Century. Eric lives in New York with his two young children. Learn more about his teaching philosophy at EricSheninger.com

If your family is anything like mine, you’ve just weathered the hectic back to school season and are getting into the swing of the carpool, fall sports and ballet routine. Just maybe not in that order. 

As a science teacher turned high school principal, and a full-time parent, I am a seasoned back to school professional and understand the excitement that comes with this season. This wonderful time gives parents and guardians the opportunity to meet their children’s teachers and learn about the curriculum, but as the year moves on families like mine can get bogged down in their hectic schedules and move away from the involvement and togetherness that back to school brings. I have a few simple tips to help avoid back to school burnout and stay engaged in your child’s classroom throughout the year.

• Volunteer. Not every parent can take the reigns as room mom or organize every fundraiser, but there are small things everyone can do. To stay involved in your kid’s classroom, check in with the teacher to start a dialogue and see what the classroom might need. For instance, you might be able to call local businesses and ask them to donate goods for a fundraiser, chaperone a field trip or offer to come in during your lunch hour to talk about your career.

• Connect with the teacher. Teachers are now more accessible than ever, with many running their own classroom blogs, websites, and social media accounts. Don’t be afraid to ask your child’s teacher the best way to reach him or her so you can build a collaborative relationship. Something as simple as an email or phone call to make sure your student is wearing his glasses or is up to speed after an illness can help continue a year-long dialogue. To show your teacher you care, consider picking up an extra pack of crayons or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes* to donate to the classroom while you run errands.  

• Make a difference. Whether you’re helping your child with a homework problem or running the bake sale, every gesture makes a difference. Additionally, as schools continue to face budget cuts it is important for the school community, including parents, to do their part in helping our children succeed. School grant programs, like Clorox’s Power A Bright Future grant program, not only help give schools the resources they need, but also help your school rally behind a great cause: your children’s future. Visit www.powerabrightfuture.com today to nominate your school for a chance to win up to $50,000**. 

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. OPEN TO K-12 SCHOOLS.  LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.), 18 YEARS AND OLDER who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering MAY ENTER ON BEHALF OF A SCHOOL. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter Contest by 10/17/11 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  For Official Rules, and prize descriptions, visit www.powerabrightfuture.com. Sponsor: The Clorox Company, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.