One of the most difficult challenges school leaders face is building meaningful reciprocal connections with students, their families and the surrounding community. Regardless of the context of the community, there are important questions that they must ask themselves in order to build family and community involvement. By first critically examining their own personal beliefs, they can begin to move forward in the work that they do as leaders. School principals can potentially increase parent participation in order to improve student achievement by exploring and addressing cultural needs and sharing responsibility.