Parent Resources

A network of supportive adults can make a huge difference in a student’s History Day experience. As a coordinator, you will encounter many parents and experience various styles, moods, and participation, from completely uninvolved to over-involved. 

Meeting the needs of all these types of parents can be a reward or a challenge, so it's best to be prepared. Provide as much information to parents throughout the History Day process as possible. Clear and understandable information will facilitate smooth communication and decrease the potential for misunderstanding.  

There are two levels of parent support that an Affiliate program can provide. 

• School-Level Resources/Information: Before the first level of Regional or District contest, most of the communication with parents is done through teachers. Consider creating a handout that teachers can give to parents of participating students early in the school year. An area of your website dedicated to parents may include the same resources you provide to teachers in the classroom in case a parent seeks out information on their own. 

• Contest Resources/Information: Once a student advances to the first level of Regional or District contest, their teacher may or may not actively manage the students' participation. Since these activities often occur outside the school day, parents will need more information directly from contest coordinators about the events, how to register, and what to expect. 

  • Once registered, the zFairs Online Registration system allows you to communicate directly with parents. Before registration, ensure your website is prepared with accurate and timely contest information.