When parents are involved in school, their children's achievement improves. Children make friends more easily and are more successful learners. Children whose families participate in school activities stay in school longer and take more advanced classes. But the greatest benefit to children of a successful home-school partnership is that children are more motivated to succeed. To connect parents with school, teachers need to learn the best ways to share information and thereby build bridges and strong ties with families. They need to find ways to establish positive relationships by shifting from a focus on children's problems to affirming children's strengths. Such approaches can improve classroom-home communications and encourage all families to become involved. This article offers suggestions illustrating some specific ways to build bridges and strengthen the bond between teacher and parent. Using strategies such as these can ensure that when challenges come, a strong foundation is already in place.