As families think about resolutions, it can be helpful to view them as more than New Year’s goals. In education, family resolutions are powerful tools that support students’ academic learning, emotional well-being, and physical health — especially when they focus on everyday habits and shared routines.
Decades of research confirm that family engagement plays a critical role in student success. Dr. Karen L. Mapp, a leading researcher on family-school partnerships at Harvard Graduate School of Education, notes that more than 50 years of studies show consistent connections between family involvement and higher student achievement, better attendance, stronger motivation, and improved social skills. When families talk about school, encourage effort, and reinforce learning at home, students benefit across grade levels.
Family engagement also supports social and emotional growth. Research highlighted by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that children develop stronger self-confidence, resilience, and relationship skills when families help establish routines, talk openly about emotions, and model healthy coping strategies. These skills directly support learning and overall well-being.
Experts emphasize that meaningful engagement does not require extra programs or perfection. According to Dr. Joyce Epstein, known for her work on school-family-community partnerships, simple actions — such as reading together, maintaining consistent sleep routines, encouraging physical activity, and having regular conversations about school — are among the most effective ways families support student growth.
At the Rochester School District, we believe resolutions don’t need to be complicated to be impactful. Small, shared commitments — like setting time for learning, prioritizing wellness, and supporting positive routines — reflect the tenets of our strategic plan Our Promise to the Future: student success, community pride, and progress, one step at a time.
When families and schools work together, resolutions become more than goals. They become daily actions that help every child grow academically, emotionally, and physically throughout the year.
For more information on family and community engagement opportunities, resources and supports, please contact your child’s school or Dianne Chase, Family & Community Engagement Director at chase.d@sau54.or or dial 603-332-3678 ext. 1107