Communication with school Our future’s are in the hands of the present

Welcome Bobby Mackey, Director of Education Role- liaison between BGC and School Systems. Agenda Parent Involvement communication with school Almost, Be GREAT

Mission: We will provide maximum learning experiences for all children so they may explore and expand their individual talents and abilities.

Parent Responsibilities I pledge that my child will attend school daily, on time, for the entire day. I pledge that my child’s homework will be completed on time. I will eliminate distractions during homework time (television, video games, computer play, etc.). I pledge to respond to school staff communication, i.e. conferences, telephone calls or letters, within three days. I pledge that I will ensure that my child is properly prepared for school and is ready to learn every day. I pledge to accept responsibility for my child’s school behavior and will I pledge to promote respect for teachers and for others.

Barriers to Parental Involvement The most recent research on effective parental involvement shows that numerous barriers to involvement exist for both schools and families. Some barriers are created by limited resources, while others originate from the beliefs, perceptions and attitudes of families and school staff. (Liontos, 1992)

Success All parents want their children to become successful, caring adults. Therefore, many parents want to be involved with the formal education of their children. Sometimes, however, they don't know where to start, when to find the time, or how to go about making positive connections with the school. At the most basic level, parents can begin encouraging the education of their children by showing that they truly value education themselves. © 2010 University of Illinois Board of Trustees

Discussion Question "Can you think of some ways that parents and grandparents might show their children that they value education?"

ANSWERS Enrolling in classes themselves Showing an interest in reading Taking part in study groups Talking about educational issues Paying attention to school matters Showing concern for child's progress Giving time to the school-classroom, PTA/PTO, or library.

Benefits Higher grades and test scores Long term academic achievement Positive attitudes and behavior More successful programs More effective schools

The most common barriers to family involvement include: –Educator’s perceptions of parents' abilities. –Lack of understanding of parents' communication styles. –Family mobility, limited family resources, such as transportation and child care. –Parents' lack of comfort and vested interest in the school along with tension in relationships between parents and teachers. Families are not sure how far they could go in making suggestions or asking questions; they worry that children will be punished for their parents' actions by a teacher or principal who was annoyed or threatened by the parent.

Communication Parents who participate in school activities and events will have added opportunities to communicate with teachers. Becoming involved with parent-teacher organizations (PTO, PTA, and Booster Clubs) gives the teacher and parent the opportunity to interact outside the classroom. In addition, the parent also will have input into decisions that may affect their child's education.

Types of Communication Effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications with all families each year about school programs and their children's progress. Parent and student pick-up of report card, with conferences with every parent at least twice a year, with follow-ups as needed. Weekly or monthly folders of student work are sent home and reviewed, parental comments returned to teacher. Regular schedule of useful notices, memos, phone calls, newsletters, and other communications. Clear information on all school policies, programs reforms, and transitions. Clear information on choosing schools, or courses, programs, and activities within schools.

The key Folder (Important information) ISS Melted chocolate, covered in Ants Permission slip's (if you don’t know, how can they go ?) Library book Lunch menu

Papers to sign and return Most likely, these are the most important papers that come into your house. Like bills to pay, have a specific spot that you or the kids can place these papers. Examples: a clip on the refrigerator specifically for these, a wall box to put them in, a letter tray or stack shelf, the multi- colored mobile file. It is important to check this location on a daily basis to read and complete any forms as needed. Teach your children to check the clip in the morning and add the papers to their backpack, or add it to your morning routine to read, sign, and give to your kids. This takes care of the how long to keep the item and the maintenance.

Important A Folder typically includes lots of graded homework and tests, field trip permission slips, class or school newsletters, and a menu for the school cafeteria. I suggest going through your child's Friday Folder while they are doing their homework and dealing with any paperwork as soon as possible. I try to go ahead and immediately fill out permission slips or sign report cards, so I do not forget.

Important This habit also makes it easy to place it right back in the Friday Folder for delivery back to the teacher by your child. Please note that another reason that you need to check your child's backpack at least quickly daily is because they are being entrusted to turn information back in to their teacher. All children will occasionally forget to turn something in, such as a homework assignments or other paperwork. When you check their backpack daily you can generally catch a problem before it is too late.

Go Through Your Child's School Papers Daily As Part Of Their Homework Habit All tests, quizzes, homework assignments, projects, library book return dates, school closings, school vacation or holidays, field trips and special events should be written on the family calendar.

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks So now it is your turn. My way is not the only right way, and maybe your way will work better for another person reading this. Tell me, how you keep track of your child's school papers and stay involved as a parent. Thanks for your time and consideration and or cooperation. Have a GREAT NIGHT!!!!!!!!!

References Source notes in print at pleseed.pdfwww.projectappleseed.org/ProjectAp pleseed.pdf