How can I get more involved with my child when so far away?

Hi I am a father of a child in the third grade/ and we live so far a part i see him every other weekend but he has reached a age where I need to be more involved in his school and his learning habits / and I just now learned how to get on to the web sight. Is there a way for me to be involved being so far away. And how can I keep updated on him if the mother isn't keeping me posted ?

Parent Answers to "How can I get more involved with my child when so far away?"

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Does his teacher know of this situation? As a teacher, I was required to keep in close contact with non-custodial parents. Any letter or e-mail or phone call that I made to the custodial parent was also sent or made to the non-custodial parent. Perhaps send a note or call the teacher and explain the situation and your admirable desire to be a part of your son's school life.
Some classrooms have their own websites and listserves - find out if his does. Does your son do e-mail? A nightly e-mail or phone call asking him how his homework is going should help to stay in touch.
If he were in my classroom, I'd be happy to e-mail you the daily homework and send out a weekly newsletter.

Is there any chance you could ever volunteer in the school? One afternoon a month? Sometimes schools need parents to help in the library on a regular basis. In any case, let this year's teacher know even now that you'd like to be considered if volunteers are ever needed.

Hmm... perhaps you could ask his teacher to send you emails on his progress?

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