Leave With a Plan Effective, Proven Strategies to Promote Family Engagement

Crystal Bunkley Teaching and Learning Specialist Heath Heron, Ed.D. Principal Contact Information Matilda Harris Elementary School 1100 The Lakes Boulevard Kingsland, Georgia Phone: Fax:

Agenda Introduction Matilda Harris Elementary School Data Successful Strategies Discussion and Idea Sharing

Camden County, Georgia

Matilda Harris Elementary School Demographics 550 students enrolled in prekindergarden–5 th grade 58% of students federally impacted by Kings Bay Submarine Base Title I School; 41% of students are Free and Reduced Average family income is $40,000 Located in Kingsland, Georgia, a suburb of Jacksonville, Florida

Since 2012, MHES has strived to build strong partnerships with parents and the community to increase student success.

Strong parental support starts with strong PTO/PTA participation.

Matilda Harris Elementary School PTO Membership MHES PTO Membership Over Time

Matilda Harris Elementary School Volunteers MHES Volunteer Participation Over Time

Matilda Harris Elementary School Volunteer Hours MHES Volunteer Hours Over Time

An increase in parent engagement leads to success in other areas.

MHES CCRPI Scores Over Time Matilda Harris Elementary CCRPI Scores

What’s the secret?

Administration has an open door policy to meet with parents as often as possible. Parents can walk their student to class, eat breakfast or lunch with their student, and/or help their student in the Media Center. Parents are invited to classroom parties. Once parents are comfortable in the school, ask them to ________. Advertise the school’s volunteer program. Ask, and they will come! It’s hard to say no to the principal. Standard 1: Welcoming All Families Into the School Community

Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful, communication about student learning. “Wednesday folders” are sent home weekly, filled with class work, school news, and letters. Parent must sign to say they reviewed the information in the Wednesday folder. MHES and teachers send blasts. The school Facebook page is updated regularly. PTO sends monthly newsletters home. Signs on display in car rider lines convey information. Standard 2: Communicating Effectively

5 th Grade Math Newsletter

Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support student learning. Parent/Teacher conference requirement Volunteer program Media Center is open to parents and students before and after school. Visiting the Media Center can be a family experience. Powerschool: Parents can access student grades at any time, and can elect to receive daily updates on student grades. Google classroom Parents can volunteer at home as well as in the classroom. Standard 3: Supporting Student Success

Open door policy Student data=student needs=differentiation Parents should know what differentiation means. Standard 4: Speaking Up for Every Child

Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs. School Council meetings PTO Board meeting input Standard 5: Sharing Power

Giving back Veterans Day Program Campus access PTO dances What are you good at? We enjoy doing what we are good at. Standard 6: Collaborating With Community

At Every Opportunity, Talk to Parents About Volunteering PTO meetings o Display volunteer signup sheets for upcoming events at each meeting. Awards ceremonies Grade level assemblies Holiday programs Parent conferences Any others?

What barriers might prevent family engagement? Talk with your Elbow Partner and report.

Barriers Circle of trust and belonging Number of teachers who actively seek out parental help I have a free paraprofessional; who wants them? Teachers on board

What strategies have worked for your school to increase family involvement? Talk with your neighbor. Be prepared to share strategies.

Proven Strategies to Increase Family Engagement Implement PTA standards. Build a strong PTO/PTA. Teachers and faculty must be on board. Ask families to get involved. o Ask families to volunteer in areas that cater to their strengths.

Crystal Bunkley Teaching and Learning Specialist Heath Heron, Ed.D. Principal Contact Information Matilda Harris Elementary School 1100 The Lakes Boulevard Kingsland, Georgia Phone: Fax: