It’s the start of a new school year, and Monica Hoffman of Wellington, Florida, has already signed up to volunteer at her nine-year-old son’s school. It’s not because she has a lot of time on her hands: It’s because she wants to be helpful and create a partnership with the teachers and staff. Given the importance of this partnership and its place in her son’s success — she doesn’t feel she has the option of staying away.

Like many other parents, Hoffman knows that the rigors of today’s curriculum can be stressful for her son — and for his teacher as well. How can a parent ensure a teacher recognizes a child’s special talents and needs? And how can a parent keep the lines of communication open — while not being a nag?

You never know when you’ll pick up cues and insights not readily available in communications sent home.

It’s a tricky tightrope to walk, but it’s imperative parents do so for a child’s success. There are some do’s and don’ts, of course. Here are some smart tips, based on expert input, that can help parents and caregivers foster a positive, supportive relationship with teachers that will last the whole year long, and beyond.

1.) Be visible.
Whenever possible, make time to attend school events, including “meet the teacher” night, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences. The more active and engaged you are, the better informed you will be — and you will also pick up cues and insights that are not readily available or obvious from emails sent home or other communications from the school.

2.) Be respectful.
If you have an issue to discuss with your child’s teacher, schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are intrusive, especially during teacher workdays — and some teachers’ schedules don’t allow for anything impromptu. Right now, at the start of the school year, is the perfect time to ask your child’s teacher how he or she likes to communicate. Don’t text a teacher if she prefers to communicate via email, for example. It can backfire.

Related: Kiddie Etiquette with a Kick

3.) Be timely.
If the teacher sends something home for you to sign, including homework, tests and other communications, do so promptly — and make sure your kids take the forms back! If your child’s school distributes an agenda, read and sign it daily. Most schools have internet communication programs so you can stay on top of your child’s progress.

4.) Be positive.
Support the teacher in words and actions at home. Remember your child may behave differently in class than he or she does at home. Don’t expect preferential treatment. There may be times when you might question a teacher’s methods, grading system or actions, but try not to jump to conclusions, place blame, or badmouth the teacher. When a problem arises, gather all the facts and speak with the teacher promptly and directly.

5.) Be available.
Make sure your child’s teacher and the school administration can get in touch with you at all times. Give them your cell phone number in case there is a concern or an emergency.

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6.) Be helpful.
You can show your support for the school by offering to volunteer or join the parent-teacher organization or equivalent. Volunteer to be a field trip chaperone, assist with school projects, be a class mom or dad, or help organize classroom parties.

During the years when their children were in elementary school, Florida-based Jeff Zbar and his wife, Robbie, actively participated. “Robbie was a class mom and I helped out when a dad was needed,” said Zbar. “Wanda, our seven-foot boa, and I were frequent show-and-tell guests. I still have the thank-you notes from the kids.”

7.) Be generous.
If you want to show your appreciation, it’s OK to give your child’s teacher a gift, as long as you keep it small and simple. Otherwise, you might look as if you’re trying to win favor. A $5.00 gift card to an office supply store is always appreciated, as teachers spend much of their own funds buying supplies for the classroom. Bookstore and coffee shop gift cards are appropriate during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week in May), and at the end of the year.

Related: Etiquette Excellence for Kids

Anne Jennings Paris, an art teacher at Alliance Charter Academy in Oregon City, Oregon, likes to receive edible gifts. “Even if I can’t eat a certain gift of food, I can share it with the other staff.”

Colleen Gleason, a government and economics teacher at Santaluces High School in Lantana, Florida, once received a box of Peruvian chocolates from one of her Peruvian students. “The gift was unique and thoughtful without being expensive,” she said.

If you want to warm a teacher’s heart, send a handmade card or handwritten letter. Better yet, teach your child to do the same. These small gestures cost nothing but will leave a lasting impression and will be cherished for years to come.

Jacqueline Whitmore is an international etiquette expert, a bestselling author, and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach.