Backpack? Got it. Spiral notebooks? Plenty of those. Markers, folders and three-ring binders? Check, check and check! Parental talents? Huh?

Why would parental talents be on a child's back-to-school supply list? Here's why: Numerous studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between parental involvement and student achievement.

There are many things that fall under the heading of parental involvement, from the subtle (a parent's attitudes and expectations regarding education), to the more overt (reading to your child), to broader, more visible efforts (volunteering at your child's school).

Every year, volunteers contribute thousands of hours to local schools. But parent volunteers are doing far more than making brownies for bake sales or chaperoning field trips. Today's involved parents are using their vocational skills, unique talents and personal interests to benefit schools. And while I may be using the term "parent" here, this can apply to anyone who wants to be involved and volunteer in education: grandparents, other relatives, young adults, family friends and concerned citizens.

As a parent and former PTA officer at Jefferson Lighthouse School, I've had the opportunity there to see a wide range of volunteer talents put to use in the classroom, after school and in the school as a whole. Here are just some examples:

• An after-school science and technology club that gives students hands-on enrichment activities. Parent volunteers guide the students as they experiment with magnets, electric motors, model bridge construction and other activities. Other parents conduct a

10-week geography project with study sheets for each grade level that culminates in a school-wide geography bee.

• A parent who was also a graphic designer created numerous school logos which are used on spirit wear, correspondence, posters and more, giving the school a professional, cohesive identity.

• The school's newsletter and Web site utilize the talents of parents who are writers, photographers and designers or are skilled in computer use.

• Parents stepped up and taught both Chinese and American Sign Language during after-school foreign language sampler classes.

• Those who work in business, sales or as entrepreneurs find that teaching Junior Achievement classes is a great way to share their expertise while improving our students' basic economic literacy.

• A couple of parents with a flair for interior design turned a dreary teacher's lounge into a stylish, more comfortable space. Others with a knack for gardening have brightened up the outside of the school. Craft and scrapbooking skills are utilized for bulletin boards.

• Money management and accounting skills are always welcome by a PTA in need of a treasurer! Leadership and organizational skills can be put to use, too.

• As part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, we are working to establish a parent database, listing professions, talents, interests, cultural heritage, arts expertise and so on. Teachers can then tap into those parent resources when needed to enhance classroom learning experiences.

These are but a few of the ways parental talents have benefited one particular school community. The needs and opportunities differ at every school, as do amounts of involvement. but ideally all schools should be open and welcoming when parents want to share their talents to benefit students. Sadly, parental involvement often drops off sharply at the middle and high school levels.

One of the great things about this type of parental involvement is that it's not limited by gender, nor by the hours a parent may be available. Some creative thinking can lead to ways to utilize the efforts of everyone who's willing to help. And, while it's tempting to want to do just the things that directly involve your child, or assist only in their classroom, don't forget to look at the big picture and understand that helping the school as a whole can have a lasting impact upon a greater number of students and families, and even the community at-large. So how can you get involved? The start of the school year is a prime time to watch for opportunities or needs to be communicated to you from your school, but sometimes you may have to take the first step. Offer your talents to your child's teacher, the PTA or school administration. You may need to be persistent, but if you have a vision for how you'd like to be involved, don't give up.

And while we talk about how parental involvement benefits students, don't be surprised to find there's a lot in it for you, too. A simple request for help with the PTA newsletter was what first got me involved at the school - I had no idea it would lead to leadership expertise, new acquaintances, personal fulfillment and a whole lot of fun.

Some things don't change. There will always be plenty of traditional ways to be involved, like helping with classroom parties or baking treats for Teacher Appreciation week. But I hope that during this school year, you'll look for your own personal opportunities to increase your involvement in your child's education. The possibilities are limitless, and the benefits are priceless.

Kathy Holley is an involved mom of two students at Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary and Case High school and vice president of the Racine PTA Council.