The Families in Education Program of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has existed since 1987 to increase awareness of the need for schools to involve parents as true partners in the education of children. This 1997 parents' guide presents ways that parents and families of both younger children and high school students can become involved in their children's academic success. Articles from this issue have information on the following topics: what parents want from schools and ways to keep parents informed; action team leadership; creating joint ownership in the future (parents' role in making school budget decisions); a school enhancement team; how to assure healthy communities and healthy youth; family and community town suppers; volunteering; father participation in school learning; paired reading; ways to help with summer reading; and a description of how Wisconsin libraries make communities into learning places, focusing on seven Wisconsin libraries. Also included are a parent interview form on best school practices; a community health checklist illustrating the need for a community to provide a healthy environment; 16 questions to encourage critical thinking in young readers; and a survey of parents on volunteering. (WJC)