I think kids' school success and enjoyment absolutely boils down to parental involvement, whether that's via homeschool or visits to the class to volunteer or just discuss needs. Based on the stories just in this thread, it's clear the number of issues that teachers have to deal with is basically equal to the number of kids in their class - lots!
I was just filling out a volunteer form the teacher sent out, and had made a decision to come in at least 1 morning every 3 weeks or so, despite working full time. I'm lucky to have that flexibility, I know many parents don't. This thread re-confirms that decision to at least pop in from time to time to help, support the teacher, take the pulse so to speak of the environment.
She had also sent out a two page questionnaire asking for parent input on how your child learns, how you think they're doing in reading, writing and math and what goals you'd like for them in these areas, plus room to put more comments. I just really liked the immediate, open communication. (so far, so good!)
