Standard 3 of the Partnership Standards

 wel·come (wlkm) adj. 1. Received with pleasure and hospitality into one's company or home: a welcome guest. 2. Giving pleasure or satisfaction; agreeable or gratifying: a welcome respite from hard work. 3. Cordially or willingly permitted or invited: You are welcome to join us. 4. Used in the expression you're welcome to acknowledge an expression of gratitude. “welcome”

  adjective  if someone is welcoming or if they behave in a welcoming way, they are friendly to you when you arrive somewhere, so that you feel happy and accepted “welcoming”

 To what extent are our schools “welcoming?”

  Is the entrance clearly marked? Is it welcoming?  Is there a welcome sign near the entrance? Is it in more than one language?  Is there a school directory?  Are their friendly, clear instructions for all visitors to sign in and obtain a building pass?  Do pictures/ bulletin board, showcases reflect the diversity of the school? Let’s start with the physical environment…

  How does your back to school program engage families?  How often do teachers call each student’s family early in the school year to invite them to an event or to share something positive?  Do they even call once?  How are volunteer opportunities available to parents? What about school wide practices and policies?

  Do school personnel greet visitors with a smile in a friendly courteous way?  Is prompt attention give to telephone calls and messages?  Do staff members passing in the hall ask visitors if they may be of assistance? What about personal interaction?

  How are new students and their families welcomed?  Can families get through to the office when they call?  How are parents and community volunteers recognized?  How often does the school provide a regular newsletter with information to families? What about the written materials and communication?

 It’s the “little” things that matter and there are some “big” things that matter as well.

 Is there a place in your school where families can come and go, interact with school staff, and be actively engaged in their children’s education?

  Designated place in a school  Parents, school staff, community members are welcome  Helps relationships form among school staff and families  Objective is to obtain resources, meet, and plan programs to support students’ learning and social skills (Henderson, Mapp, Johnson, & Davies, 2007) Establishing a Family Center in your School

 A warm and welcoming place for families, staff, and students to establish relationships and enhance opportunities for students:  Book exchanges/access to computers/lending library  Workshops on a variety of topics (e.g., the Common Core Standards, behavior management) And the list goes on….. Family Centers

  Special or regularly scheduled “Breakfasts” with a variety of individuals including:  the principal  special area teacher  community members, adult literacy  ESL programs  Mentoring/tutoring programs And the list goes on…

  When you are welcoming of someone you invite them to partner with you, and it is the partnership between families and schools that will lead to great things for our students  Let the welcoming begin… Welcoming…..