The stores are filled with school supplies and the state is hosting the annual tax-free shopping days helping everyone get prepared for the beginning of the new school year.

Looking beyond the freshly sharpened pencils and crisp new clothing fashions, Greater Annapolis Patch is here to help parents become more involved in their children's schools.

When parents are actively involved with their child's school, it sends a message to more than just your student. All students benefit from parents and community members donating time as reading helpers, chaperones or math tutors.

This slice of your time lets students know their education is important and makes a difference in their life, whether you're at Hillsmere or Rolling Knolls elementaries or Annapolis Middle or High schools.

“I encourage parents to find the balance between fostering independence while staying involved with students this school year,” said Annapolis Middle School Principal Monique Jackson.

If your student is entering kindergarten or their senior year, it is never too late to start spending some time getting active with their school. Open houses and Back to School Nights are a great time to sign up for a committee where you can offer your expertise.

Don't be afraid to ask what the time commitment is for a volunteer job that you are interested in helping with.

“I urge parents to get involved as a volunteer right at the beginning of the school year, when things are fresh and committees are being formed,” said Jennifer Klepper, Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) president of Rolling Knolls Elementary.

“Being involved with school activities is a great way to have access to teachers and to meet the students and parents from your school,” Klepper said.

“If you don't want to commit 'big,' offer your time for something specific that will take you one or two hours, whether it be in the classroom, at a parent-teacher group event or from your home. These volunteer efforts, while limited in time, can have a big impact,” Klepper said.

Here's some great ways to find out how to get involved:

Open Houses and Back-to-School Nights

Hillsmere Elementary

• Aug. 19—ice cream social at 2:30 p.m.
• Aug. 19—Meet the Teacher, 3 p.m.
• Sept. 13—Back-to-School Night, 6:30 p.m.

Rolling Knolls Elementary

• Aug. 21—Kindergarten/first grade welcome back to school party, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Annapolis Middle School

• Aug. 18—Orientation Night for 6th graders and new students, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Sept. 15—Back-to-School Night, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Annapolis High School

• Aug. 18—Open house for 9th graders and new students, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Sept. 1st—Back-to-School Night, 6:15 p.m.