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School starts back Friday for the approximately 12,000 students in the Troup County School System, meaning a large chunk of the county will see the routine they’ve created for the last 60-plus days change entirely this week.

It’s going to be a fun week, but at least school is only one day this first week. 

As parents, we all want the best for our students. 

Many of you will be up early Friday preparing a nice breakfast to ensure your students don’t go to school hungry.

We want our kids to have the best teacher. The best classroom supplies. The best clothes, within budget.

But we need to play a part too.

As the new school year begins, parents need to commit to doing their part to help where they can. 

That means joining the PTO, if your child’s school has one. If means if the teacher asks for snacks — we’re thinking the little kids here — then sign up and buy a few snacks every now and then.

If there’s an opportunity to volunteer or to help the school, raise your hand. Do what you can to help.

Teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies to ensure your students have everything they need to be successful. The least we can do as parents is help out. 

Be active. Ask your child about their day. If they have homework, sit down and look at it to ensure it’s being done correctly.

Encourage your child to try out for extracurricular activities. Guide them through problems as they deal with challenges for the first time.

Your child isn’t going to get along with everyone they meet. There are going to be disagreements and hard days, where they might not enjoy a subject being taught.

We’ve all been there, so take a deep breath, and stumble forward to be the best parent you can be. 

Just being active and involved already means you’re doing a great job.