I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. And that's how I operate my life. - Oprah Winfrey

Our recent presidential election vividly demonstrates the limitless possibilities this country can offer to those who position themselves to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. As impressive as the election's historic outcome was the active participation of millions of ordinary citizens, all across the country who showed the power we wield when acting in an organized and intelligent way. Regardless of who you supported or how you voted, this country is a better place when its citizens are empowered and confident that they can make a difference.

It is my hope that across this country, Americans will remain engaged and active in ways that move beyond the electoral process and into all of the public spheres that are so critical to maintaining a vibrant nation. As an educator, my first and foremost concern is education. So I call upon ENYP parents to serve as a role model for parents in New York City and nationwide for how an active, mobilized community of parents can uplift their children and an entire community.

I have always believed that parent involvement is the single most important factor among those which we control in determining a child's educational success. In his first book, the autobiographic Dreams from My Father, President Obama tells of his mother waking him at four and five o'clock each morning to go over his homework assignments from the previous day. No doubt, as a child, this must have seemed harsh to our President-elect, but is there any question that as an adult, he has reaped the benefits from his mother's involvement?

Supporters and detractors alike praise President Obama for his oratory gifts and his immense intellect. His undeniable talents in this regard were honed through years of study and hard work, which began in grade school in Indonesia and Hawaii and continued through college at Columbia University then at Harvard Law School. At each step along the way of the President's incredible journey to the White House, we see the impact of a solid educational foundation.

Each of our children is capable of the same remarkable journey to excellence as President Obama, but it will not happen on its own or if left to chance. Here are some specific things that each of you can do to launch your children toward remarkable futures:

• Make sure that your child comes to school everyday and is ready to learn.
• Review your child's homework. Make sure it is complete and that your child has reviewed and noted any areas of difficulty or confusion.
• Read with your children every night and make sure your children are reading independently. Select books for your child to read that are challenging and interesting. If you need suggestions, ENYP staff are happy to provide them.
• Talk to you children about life beyond elementary school. Keep their focus on the future - middle school, high school, college and beyond. This focus and direction is critical and gives children the ability early on to make proud and healthy choices which move them toward their future goals.
• Attend all parent-teacher conferences and communicate regularly with your child's teacher to identify and discuss your child's academic strengths and weaknesses and ensure that a plan for your child's success is put in place.

Finally, I ask you to dream with your children. They truly can be whatever they want to be if they put in the work, if they are focused and humble, and if they are confident in each of our support. When we dream with our children and believe in our children, they believe in themselves. This is in essence Obama's "Yes We Can" campaign theme. With hard work and plenty of support, there is no limit to the heights that all of our children can reach!

Sheila Joseph is the Founder of East New York Preparatory Charter School. She is the currently the Executive Director for East New York Prep.